Ever wonder how sports words mix into everyday talk? “Ball” shows up in many phrases we use! Let’s explore some fun “ball” idioms.
Ball Idioms
Here are 20 ball idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.
1. On the ball
Meaning: Alert and efficient
Example: She was on the ball and finished early.
2. Ball is in your court
Meaning: It’s your decision or responsibility
Example: Now, the ball is in your court to decide.
3. Have a ball
Meaning: To enjoy yourself
Example: We will have a ball at the party.
4. Drop the ball
Meaning: Make a mistake
Example: He really dropped the ball on that project.
5. Keep the ball rolling
Meaning: Maintain momentum
Example: Let’s keep the ball rolling with the meeting.
6. Start the ball rolling
Meaning: Begin an action
Example: She started the ball rolling with her presentation.
7. Play ball
Meaning: Cooperate or agree
Example: We hope they decide to play ball with us.
8. A whole new ball game
Meaning: A completely new situation
Example: This job is a whole new ball game for him.
9. Take the ball and run with it
Meaning: Continue with a task independently
Example: He took the ball and ran with it on this project.
10. Ballpark figure
Meaning: An estimated number
Example: Can you give a ballpark figure of the costs?
11. Behind the eight ball
Meaning: In a difficult situation
Example: He’s been behind the eight ball since morning.
12. Curveball
Meaning: Something unexpected
Example: That question was a real curveball.
13. Hardball
Meaning: Tough or ruthless tactics
Example: They played hardball to get that deal.
14. Jump the ball
Meaning: Start before the official signal
Example: He jumped the ball and began early.
15. That’s the way the ball bounces
Meaning: That’s how things happen
Example: Well, that’s the way the ball bounces sometimes.
16. Ball’s in your court
Meaning: It’s up to you to make the next move
Example: Well, the ball’s in your court now.
17. Bouncing the ball
Meaning: Keeping things moving
Example: She’s good at bouncing the ball in meetings.
18. Off the ball
Meaning: Not paying attention
Example: He was off the ball during the talk.
19. Right off the bat
Meaning: Immediately, from the start
Example: He knew right off the bat it was a bad idea.
20. Throw a curveball
Meaning: Surprise with something tricky
Example: The new policy really threw a curveball for everyone.
