If you have studied English for a while, you have surely come across several idioms. Idioms are a fun (but sometimes frustrating) part of learning a new language. Native English speakers use them all the time, and often they may not even realise that they are doing so!
Previously on the blog we have covered many different types of idioms. Most recently, we posted about food idioms and body idioms, and we even did a special festive Christmas Idioms episode of our podcast.
If you love English idioms, you may enjoy our free ebook, Essential English Idioms, which is packed with useful idioms separated by theme and also includes some useful practice exercises.
Do you use English at work? You need our Essential Business English Idioms ebook. Download it for free right here!
Today, we will look at several sports idioms and how to use them. Don’t forget to share this post with the sports lover in your life who is learning English.
The ball is in your court
We use this idiom when we want to say that it is up to another person to make the next move in an argument, disagreement or negotiation.
“I have said I’m sorry and I also sent Josie flowers. The ball is in her court now.”
“I spoke to the new client yesterday and told them we were able to compromise on a few things. The ball is in their court now. Let’s wait to see if we hear back from them.”
Below the belt
A hit below the belt in boxing is immoral and illegal, so a comment which is ‘below the belt’ is considered to be unjust, cruel and insulting. We may also say that it’s a ‘low blow’.
“I can take constructive criticism but some of the boss’s comments on my project felt a little below the belt.”
“Criticism of the actor’s performance was valid, but commenting about his weight gain was below the belt.”
Learn the ropes
This sports idiom comes from sailing. In a sailing setting, to learn the ropes means to learn how to operate the boat, and we can use this idiom in everyday life to describe someone who is in training and learning in a new job.
“It’s my first week in my new job so I’m just learning the ropes at the moment, but I’m really enjoying it so far.”
“I’m new on the team, so I’m still learning the ropes. Please be patient with me.”
On the ball
To be ‘on the ball’ means to be very focused, quick and paying attention at all times.
“The nanny had to be on the ball as she was looking after three very energetic children.”
“Holly normally gets her Christmas shopping done in November. She’s on the ball with it.”
Skating on thin ice
From ice-skating, this sports idiom means to be in trouble or in a very precarious position.
“That is the third time Mark’s been late to work this week. He’s skating on thin ice.”
“The mother warned the children that they were on thin ice and if they complained one more time about their dinner there would be a punishment.”
Throw in the towel
From boxing, this sports idiom means to quit and is often used when someone has been putting up a fight or putting in a lot of effort for a long time before finally deciding to stop.
“I’ve been training for a marathon for the last six months but I’ve had so many setbacks and injuries I’m seriously considering just throwing in the towel.”
“After trying and failing to make his business a success for over a year, he decided to throw in the towel last Christmas.”
Out of left field
This idiom comes from baseball. If something comes out of left field it means that it is very unexpected or seems to come out of nowhere.
“His resignation came completely out of left field. He seemed to really love his job and had recently got a promotion.”
“Despite a very low budget for the marketing campaign, the song was a hit out of left field, due to it being used in a viral video on social media.”
Cover all bases
This is another baseball idiom. To cover all bases means to prepare for all possibilities and to do absolutely everything you can to ensure something is a success.
“The popstar thought she had covered all bases, but unfortunately details about her private life still became available to the press.”
“We must cover all bases to ensure that this project is a success.”
Which sports idiom is your favourite? Can you think of any other sports idioms? Let us know in the comments!
➡️ Download our free ebook, Essential English Idioms.
➡️ Already an Intrepid English Member? Study our Essential English Idioms course in the Intrepid English Academy.