15 Sports Idioms to Keep Your English in the Game
Sports are deeply rooted in American culture, so it’s no surprise that many of our everyday expressions come straight from the playing field. Sports idioms are used to describe all sorts of situations. Ready to score some points in your English? Here are 15 sports idioms.
Hit the ground running
To start something with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. This idiom is used when people have a lot of motivation to do something.
Back to square one
To start all over again because something didn’t work out.
Full-court press
In basketball, a full-court press is a very aggressive way of defending the whole court to stop the other team. In everyday language, it means making a big, strong effort to achieve something, without holding back.
Jump through hoops
To go through a lot of difficult or complicated steps to achieve something.
Up one’s alley
Perfect for someone’s interests or skills.
Throw in the towel
To give up; to surrender. This phrase comes from boxing – a fighter’s team throws in a towel to show they’re giving up the fight.
Play hardball
To act aggressively to get what you want, especially in business or negotiations.
Above board
Honest, legal, and fair.
In the driver’s seat
In control of a situation; making the decisions – just like a driver in control of a car.
Down to the wire
Something that continues to the very end or last moment.
On the ropes
In trouble, near failure. This comes from boxing where a fighter who is literally “on the ropes” is in a bad position and might be defeated.
Behind the eight ball
In a difficult situation. The idiom comes from the game of pool, where it’s dangerous to hit the eight ball too early.
Shoot from the hip
To speak or act without thinking carefully; to be impulsive. It comes from the idea of a cowboy quickly drawing and firing their gun from the hip, without even aiming.
On the ball
Alert, focused, and, efficient.
Throw a curveball
To surprise someone with something unexpected or difficult to deal with. The idiom comes from baseball, where it’s hard to hit a curveball.
If you enjoyed reading about sports idioms, you might also like our collection of Olympic idioms!
