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Advanced English Grammar (C1) Lesson 20A of 25

Idioms with Sports

Watch four videos using idioms with sports in conversation.

Conversation 1

Woman: How did the sales meeting go?
Man: Not good. I really dropped the ball.
Woman: Why do you say that?
Man: I had the wrong slides and I kept fumbling my words.
Woman: Oh, well. You win some and you lose some.

Conversation 2

Woman: Are you ready to give the presentation?
Man: Yeah, I think so. Time to get my game face on.
Woman: Relax, I’m sure you’ll hit it out of the park.
Man: I hope so. but if I’m off my game help me out.
Woman: Don’t worry. You’ll be fine.
Man: OK, thanks,
Woman: I’ll be here on the sidelines though if you need any help.

Conversation 3

Woman: Hey, nice suit. Got a new job?
Man: No, I have a date tonight.
Woman: Very nice. You look great.
Man: Thanks. I'm trying to up my game.
Woman: So who is the hot date?
Man: A friend of a friend.
Woman: Well, I'm sure she will love you.
Man: I hope so. She's kind of out of my league.
Woman: I'm sure you will win her over. Have fun. Just remember to quit while you're ahead.

Drop the ball

To make a mistake or fail to do something important.

  1. I really dropped the ball during the sales meeting—I brought the wrong files.
  2. Don’t drop the ball this time. We’re counting on you.
You win some, you lose some

A way to say that sometimes things go well, and sometimes they don’t. It’s a part of life.

  1. The presentation didn’t go well, but you win some, you lose some.
  2. I didn’t get the job, but hey, you win some, you lose some.
Get your game face on

To mentally prepare and focus for a serious task, like a presentation or challenge.

  1. The presentation starts in five minutes. Time to get my game face on.
  2. He put his game face on before the big interview.
Hit it out of the park

To do something extremely well, like giving a great performance. From baseball.

  1. I’m sure you’ll hit it out of the park during your speech.
  2. Her cooking was amazing—she hit it out of the park.
Off your game

To not be performing at your usual skill level.

  1. I feel off my game today—I can't focus.
  2. If I’m off my game, help me out during the meeting.
On the sidelines

To be nearby or watching, but not actively involved unless needed. Comes from sports.

  1. I’ll be on the sidelines if you need help.
  2. He stayed on the sidelines during the discussion but stepped in when needed.
Up your game

To improve your performance or effort in order to succeed or compete better.

  1. I’m trying to up my game for this date.
  2. She upped her game to get the promotion.
Out of your league

Someone is "out of your league" if they seem much better or more attractive than you.

  1. I hope it goes well. She’s kind of out of my league.
  2. He’s a great guy, but he thinks I’m out of his league.
Win someone over

To get someone to like or support you through charm or effort.

  1. I’m sure you’ll win her over—just be yourself.
  2. He won the team over with his positive attitude.
Quit while you're ahead

To stop doing something before a mistake happens, especially after success.

  1. You made a great first impression—quit while you're ahead!
  2. I’ll quit while I’m ahead before I say something embarrassing.
Answer these questions about the interview.

More Grammar Conversations

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C1-16 Conjunctive Adverbs
Plus, I love the view.
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C1-17 Comment Adverbs
Apparently, it will have cats.
C1-09
C1-18 Advanced Conditionals
We will as long as we have time.
C1-09
C1-19 Get
I get the same way.
C1-09
C1-20A Idioms with Sports
I really dropped the ball.
C1-09
C1-20B Idioms with Food
Did I just spill the beans?

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