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.
To make a mistake or fail to do something important.
- I really dropped the ball during the sales meeting—I brought the wrong files.
- Don’t drop the ball this time. We’re counting on you.
A way to say that sometimes things go well, and sometimes they don’t. It’s a part of life.
- The presentation didn’t go well, but you win some, you lose some.
- I didn’t get the job, but hey, you win some, you lose some.
To mentally prepare and focus for a serious task, like a presentation or challenge.
- The presentation starts in five minutes. Time to get my game face on.
- He put his game face on before the big interview.
To do something extremely well, like giving a great performance. From baseball.
- I’m sure you’ll hit it out of the park during your speech.
- Her cooking was amazing—she hit it out of the park.
To not be performing at your usual skill level.
- I feel off my game today—I can't focus.
- If I’m off my game, help me out during the meeting.
To be nearby or watching, but not actively involved unless needed. Comes from sports.
- I’ll be on the sidelines if you need help.
- He stayed on the sidelines during the discussion but stepped in when needed.
To improve your performance or effort in order to succeed or compete better.
- I’m trying to up my game for this date.
- She upped her game to get the promotion.
Someone is "out of your league" if they seem much better or more attractive than you.
- I hope it goes well. She’s kind of out of my league.
- He’s a great guy, but he thinks I’m out of his league.
To get someone to like or support you through charm or effort.
- I’m sure you’ll win her over—just be yourself.
- He won the team over with his positive attitude.
To stop doing something before a mistake happens, especially after success.
- You made a great first impression—quit while you're ahead!
- I’ll quit while I’m ahead before I say something embarrassing.