In the next few minutes we’re going to review 50 very common English idioms taken from the world of sports. Whether you’re interested in sports or not, be sure to keep watching, as even if you’re not particularly interested in sports, having a solid understanding of how these sayings are used and what they mean is important to communicate effectively in your personal relationships and work life.

While being collaborative, respectful and positive are important in the business world, many people in professional life are ambitious and competitive, so sport idioms lend themselves well to professional life. Because of this, you’ll notice all of the following idioms will be accompanied by examples from the world of work.

Make sure you watch to the very end, as we’ll finish by counting down the 5 most commonly used phrases borrowed from sports. For all 50 we’ll go over the saying to show how it’s pronounced, its origin, what it means, with an example so you can work them into your conversations starting today.

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Went Down Swinging 

This is taken from boxing, when a fighter is knocked down but is still swinging as they fall.  It means to lose with strength or dignity, to fight until the very end. It refers to losing in a somewhat positive light. An example is he lost the campaign but went down swinging.

Knocked It Out of the Park

This is taken from baseball. It means to hit the ball over the outfield fence. It means done perfectly, to achieve a goal with excellence. An example is she prepared well for the presentation and knocked it out of the park.

Front Runner

This is taken from racing, and refers the person or team that’s ahead of the others. The person or team that’s winning or leading the way. An example is he’s the front runner to land the promotion because of his vast experience.

To Beat Someone to the Punch 

This is taken from boxing when a fighter hits someone before they are hit. It’s said when someone is first to say or do something. Often to achieve something important or say something that is pertinent to the conversation. An example is I was going to point out that detail, but she beat me to the punch.

Dropped the Ball 

This is from baseball, when a player drops the ball and loses a chance to get a runner out. It means to make a mistake or a disappointing failure. An example is I really dropped the ball when I forgot her name.

To Take One’s Gloves Off

This is from hockey, when players drop their gloves before a fight. It means to lose the appearance of civility, or to prepare for confrontation. This is used when a situation is escalated to a higher level of conflict. An example is I was composed, but when they mentioned my family the gloves came off.

To Move the Goalposts 

This is from American football, it doesn’t actually happen as the goalposts are in the ground. But it would be if a team were to move the goalposts so that a kick needs to go in between them to score points would actually be a good kick. It’s used to show that someone changed the rules or standards in order to seem good enough. An example is they saw that the numbers weren’t going to be met, so they moved the goalposts.

To Have Someone In Your Corner 

This is from boxing, as your coach and trainers are in your corner of the ring. It means to have a person on your side, cheering you on or helping you. An example is I was nervous in the meeting until I realized you were in my corner.

The Homestretch 

This is from horse racing. The homestretch is the final straight of the track before the horses cross the finish line. It’s a final part of a task or event, indicating that the end is in sight. An example is it’s been a long quarter, but we’re in the homestretch.

Keep Your Eye On the Ball

This is from baseball. A player has to keep their eye on the ball in order to not get distracted so that they can catch the ball, or so a batter can hit the ball. It means to maintain attention or focus on an important task.  An example is he’ll be saying all sorts of things to distract you, but keep your eye on the ball.

To Be On the Ropes

This is from boxing, when a fighter is punched back to the ropes of the ring. It means to be on the verge of failure or close to defeat. An example is she was on the ropes near the end of the campaign, but managed to come through with a win.

To Put Some Points On the Board

This is from American football or basketball where they use something called a scoreboard to score of the game, to see whose winning. It means to achieve something that may be expected but is necessary. An example is let’s put some points on the board with mail-in ballots before the election.

To Pull Your Punches

This is from boxing, when a fighter doesn’t punch as hard as they’re able to, or lets up at a certain point in the fight. It means to be less aggressive or assertive than possible. An example is he asked some tough questions and didn’t pull his punches.

A Ball Park Figure 

This is from baseball. The ball park is the stadium where the games are played, and they’re quite large. It means an approximate amount, or a rough estimate. An example is we gave them a ball park figure to give them an idea of the market size.

A Ring Side Seat

This is from boxing. The people who sit at a ringside seat are directly next to the ring, they have the best view of the fight. It means to be close to a task or event, to have a first hand account. An example is they had a ringside seat of the debate.

To Throw a Curveball 

This is in baseball. A pitch that is thrown with a lot of spin curves more than a fastball and can be harder to hit. A curveball is something unexpected or intended to deceive. An example is that question threw us a curveball and we had to change our approach.

To Roll With the Punches 

This is from boxing. It means to move with the motion of a punch to make it less destructive. It means to move with events or expectations seamlessly or comfortably. An example is he heard the bad news but rolled with the punches.

Out of Left Field 

In baseball left field is a position with less of a direct impact on the majority of plays. A throw to get somebody out from left field is more uncommon than a throw from the infield. It means something unexpected, or something that was not anticipated. An example is that concern came out of left field.

To Take It On the Chin

This is taken from boxing, when a fighter is hit on the chin. It means to take a defeat or a setback with strength, or to deal well with an obstacle. An example is the news was tough to hear but we took it on the chin.

Out of One’s League 

This is taken from baseball and means a more talented league of players. For example AAA baseball is a lower level than major league baseball. It means something more difficult or challenging than one can handle. An example is I want to apply for that position but it’s out of my league.

To Throw In the Towel 

This is taken from boxing. When a coach throws a towel into the ring it signals that they are conceding a fight, that they’ve lost. It means to give up or surrender. An example is after he told me his objections I threw in the towel.

To Play Hardball 

In baseball overhand pitching is called hardball whereas underhand pitching is known as softball. In hardball the pitches are faster. It means something that is serious, or has to do with something with more of a chance of conflict. An example is he wants to play hardball, we’ll need to do some more research before the presentation.

To Throw Your Hat Into the Ring

In boxing to indicate your intention to fight someone you would throw their hat into the ring. It means to make it known that you’re eligible for something or that you desire something. An example is when I heard the position was open I called the manager and threw my hat into the ring.

The Big Leagues

In baseball the league with the highest level of talent and experience is called the big leagues. It indicates a serious or professional level, of the highest skill. An example is she started as an intern but quickly made it to the big leagues.

A Heavy Hitter

In boxing someone who punches hard hits their opponent with more weight in their punch. It means someone with a high level of expertise, talent or knowledge. An example is she’s a heavy hitter when it comes to negotiations because she prepares so thoroughly.

To Cover One’s Bases

This is from baseball, when a player stays close to the base that they need to, to ensure a runner is out if they receive the ball. It means to take care of everything that’s needed or expected. An example is be sure to speak with everyone in accounting to cover your bases.

To Come Out Swinging 

This is from boxing when a fighter immediately starts a fight by swinging at their opponent. It means to start with vigour or an immediate intent to succeed. An example is on her first day on the job she really came out swinging.

On Deck

In baseball the batter who is up next is on deck. It means simply, up next. An example is when she’s presenting, you’re on deck.

Blindsided

In American football, when a quarterback is tacked from an angle that they cannot see. It means unexpectedly confronted or surprised, or an event that’s unanticipated. An example is I was blindsided with that question.

To Play Ball

In baseball, this is what an umpire says to indicate that the game has begun, or is restarting. They say "play ball". It means to get started or to co-operate, or to agree on the terms of a challenge. An example is the convention is starting, let’s play ball.

The Ball Is In Your Court 

This is taken from tennis when a player hits the ball over the net and waits for the ball to be hit back. It means to await a response or reaction. An example is we made the proposal, the ball’s in their court now.

In a Pickle 

This is taken from baseball when a runner is between two bases and the infielders are throwing the ball back and forth to get the runner out. It’s a very difficult play for the runner to escape. It means in a difficult or tricky situation. An example is I’m in a pickle with this situation and I don’t know what to do.

To Call the Shots

This is from shooting or target practice.  When a good shooter hit the target they would call it their shot. In means to be in charge making decisions or being the top delegator. An example is when it comes to their budget she calls the shots.

Right Off the Bat

This is from baseball when a runner begins to run to the next base immediately after the ball hits the bat. It means to do something from the beginning or outset. An example is I want to address the CEO right off the bat.

To Jump the Gun

This is from racing when a runner starts running before the starting gun goes off. It means to start too soon. An example is she jumped the gun and began the presentation before they were all there.

Swinging For the Fences

This is taken from baseball when a batter swings very hard at a pitch intending to hit it over the outfield fence. It means to aim for something impressive, or to try very hard to succeed. An example is she was really swinging for the fences with that presentation.

To Get a Second Wind

This is from boxing when a fighter gets a level of energy that they had at the beginning of a fight. It means renewed enthusiasm or strength. An example is I was feeling tired, but their enthusiasm gave me a second wind.

In One’s Wheelhouse 

This is from baseball when a pitch is thrown in an area of the strike zone that a batter typically hits. It means within one’s expertise or set of skills. An example is this segment of the business is right in her wheelhouse.

Off the Hook 

This is from fishing when a fish is caught, but the hook slips out of their mouth. It means to get away with something, or to no longer be responsible for something. An example is I was off the hook when she asked him to do it instead.

To Have the Upper Hand

This is from playground baseball, when the team captains decided who would be the first to hit. It means to have an advantage. An example is I had the upper hand in the negotiations because I knew what they wanted.

To Go Overboard 

This is from sailing and happens when somebody goes over the edge of the ship and falls into the water. It means to go beyond what’s needed, or to do something too much. An example is we went overboard and booked too many meetings.

A Level Playing Field 

This can be from American football, and it means to have the elevation of both ends equal, so one team is not going uphill. It means to be fair, or to ensure the rules are followed by both parties. An example is let’s review our expectations together so we’re on an even playing field.

No Sweat 

This can be taken from any sport and it happens when something is done without sweating. It means that something is done easily, or with little effort. An example is I can take care of that, no sweat.

To Set the Pace

This is from racing. The person that’s setting the pace is the person that’s going the speed that the other racers must match to keep up. It means to set the expectation or benchmark for success. An example is she set the pace by closing so many deals.

To Take the Bull By the Horns

This is from bull riding. It means to literally grab a bull by its horns despite the power of the animal. It means to take control of a situation or lead with excellence. An example is let’s take the bull by the horns and address our product’s shortcomings from the outset of the meeting.

To Go the Distance 

This is from boxing when a fighter lasts the number of rounds needed to beat their opponent. It means to put in the effort needed to succeed. An example is she really put  in the work needed to go the distance and close the deal.

All right, we’ve made it through 45 common sports idioms. Now let’s count down our 5 most common. 

At number 5 is:

Time Out

Time out is from American football when one of the teams stops the game clock. It means to take a break or to put something on hold. An example is time out, let’s take a moment to review this in further detail.

In at number 4 is:

Not Up to Par

This is from golf, and it happens when a golfer does not put the ball into the hole in the number of required shots. It means that something or someone is not good enough or does not meet expectations. An example is their presentation was not up to par because they didn’t explain the idea properly.

All right, in at number 3 is: 

A Long Shot

This is used in horse racing but the term actually derives from early naval guns that were only accurate at close distances. It means not likely, or to guess or strive for something in the hope of success. An example is we tried to double our quarterly target, even though it was a long shot.

In at numer 2 is: 

To Get a Head Start 

This is from racing when a runner starts as soon as the starting gun goes off, before the other runners. It means to begin ahead of schedule, or to prepare appropriately. An example is let’s get there early to get a head start.

All right, we’re down to the number 1 most common sports idiom:

Hands Down 

This is from horse racing when a rider is winning by so much that they’re able to lower the reigns and their hands before crossing the finish line. It means to do something easily, decisively or without effort. Or it can be used when referring to something that is beyond question. An example is great work, this is hand’s down the best solution we’ve seen so far.

There you have it, 50 common sports idioms. If you can think of any that we’ve missed or have heard one of these before, let everyone know by leaving a comment. Please give this video a like if you’ve found it helpful, and subscribe to see our future content on English fluency. Until next time keep learning and we’ll talk soon.