Look through the three lessons, which contain definitions and example sentences of the sporting vocabulary, then try the quiz in the final lesson.
Generally speaking, we have provided a sporting example and also a metaphorical example of the use of each expression or phrasal verb for you to understand the meaning better, both in sports and in other aspects of our lives.
So, without further ado, we present our series of sports expressions and metaphors, starting with ball games.
Seconds out...Round 1!
Ball Games.
(football/rugby) | To begin; the beginning of a football match |
Example: “Can we kick the meeting off at 10AM please? I need to be finished by 11:30.” | |
To tackle/a tackle (football/rugby; contact sports) | To confront; a challenge in football or rugby |
Example: “Piqué tackled Mbappe, taking possession of the ball and sending it up the field in a long pass.” “Professional life has many issues and problems which you have to tackle each and every day.” | |
To keep your eye on the ball (any sport with a ball) | To stay alert, in sport or professional life |
Example: “Keep your eye on the ball in business, especially when it comes to changing market trends.” | |
The ball is in your court (tennis) | It's your move; when the ball is on your side in tennis |
Example: “We have sent our proposal to the client, so now, the ball’s in their court.” | |
A game of two halves (football) | A situation with two very different sides to it; a famous expression by ex-England footballer and commentator Jimmy Greaves |
Example: “Business can be very much a game of two halves. You find yourself doing well after you set up, but if the market shifts, you might find your business struggling.” | |
A ball-park figure (baseball) | A very general figure or number; the ballpark is a baseball park |
Example: “I don’t need a precise estimate on how much it will be to renovate the house, but could you at least give me a ballpark figure?” | |
To pitch something (baseball) | To suggest something, like an idea or strategy; pitching is throwing the ball at the batsman in baseball |
Example: “This brainstorming session between executives is an opportunity to pitch ideas for the improvement of communication between departments.” | |
To hit a home run (baseball) | To go all the way at once; in baseball this is when the batsman runs the full circle of four bases in one go |
Example: “The company really hit a home run when two contracts were offered at the same time!” | |
To call/have a time out on something (Various North American sports) | To call for a break or rest. Various sports in North America like baseball, American football or basketball have this element of play stoppage |
Example: “I really need a timeout from these negotiations…they’re exhausting!” | |
To hit someone for six (cricket) | To completely surprise someone |
Example: “I was completely hit for six by such a crazy proposal!” | |
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