Sports idioms

17 sports idioms with what each one means. Tap one for its origin, examples and a quick check.

• Below the belt

  Something below the belt is unfair or unkind, especially a remark that attacks a person's weak spot.

• Dark horse

  A dark horse is a person or team that few people know about but who unexpectedly does well or wins.

• Down to the wire

  If something goes down to the wire, it is not decided or finished until the very last moment.

• Drop the ball

  To drop the ball is to make a mistake by failing to do something you were responsible for.

• Fair and square

  If you win or get something fair and square, you do it honestly and by the rules, with no cheating or tricks.

• Get the ball rolling

  To get the ball rolling means to start an activity, process or conversation so that it can keep going.

• Hands down

  Hands down means easily and without question, as in winning hands down or something being hands down the best.

• In the bag

  If something is in the bag, its success or the result you want is certain, even before it is officially finished.

• Jump the gun

  To jump the gun is to do something too soon, before the right time or before you have all the facts.

• Long shot

  A long shot is an attempt, plan or competitor that has only a small chance of succeeding.

• Par for the course

  If something is par for the course, it is normal or expected, usually something disappointing or annoying.

• Pass the buck

  To pass the buck is to push responsibility or blame onto someone else instead of dealing with it yourself.

• Saved by the bell

  If you are saved by the bell, something happens just in time to rescue you from a difficult or unpleasant situation.

• The ball is in your court

  The ball is in your court means it is now your turn to act or make a decision.

• The game is afoot

  The game is afoot means that something exciting, such as an adventure, a plan or an investigation, has begun.

• Throw in the towel

  To throw in the towel is to give up or admit that you cannot win or succeed.

• Wild card

  A wild card is a person or thing whose actions or effects are hard to predict, or a team let into a contest without the usual qualification.

More idioms by topic

• Animal idioms
• Body idioms
• Food idioms
• Weather idioms
• Money idioms
• Time idioms
• Work idioms
• Idioms about feelings
• Love and friendship idioms
• Family and home idioms
• Idioms about people
• Talking idioms
• Honesty and secrets idioms
• Success idioms
• Failure idioms
• Trouble idioms
• Luck idioms
• Health idioms
• Travel and speed idioms
• Color idioms
• Number idioms
• Conflict idioms
• Idioms from Shakespeare