Sports Idioms - The Olympic Issue



Sports idioms originate from a specific sport such as basquetball, sailing or tennis. Over time these phrases have become part of everyday language. Their meanings may be a little different or not so literal but they still carry the original  general idea.


Front runner: (from track & field) someone among those expected to win.

Get into the full swing: (from tennis) doing something with ease after some time of practice.

Get a second wind: (from sailing ) have a burst of energy after feeling tired.

Give it your best shot : (from shooting) try your hardest.

Go overboard: (from sailing) do or say more than you need to.

Hit someone below the belt: (from boxing/ martial arts) do something unfair to someone.

Jump the gun: (from track & field)  start too early.       

Keep one's head above water: (from swimming) try not to fall behind in work or other duties.

Keep you eye on the ball : (from baseball) be alert to events and situations around you.

Kick off: ( from soccer ) start something.

Make a splash: (from swimming) get noticed for a remarkable action or success.

Skate on thin ice: (from skating)  do something risky, take a chance.

The ball is in your court: (from tennis) it’s your turn or responsibility to take action.

Throw in the towel : (from boxing) give up, abandon.

To be down to the wire: (from horse riding) be right at the end.

Touch base with someone: (from baseball) be in contact, communicate with.



Use one of the idioms above to complete the sentences. Use one each time only!

  1. Please can everyone be seated so we can ....the launching of the campaign.

  1. You can't believe everything he says. He tends to...  sometimes.

  1. Give it your ... and you may just make it to the final round.
  1. I guess I ... by saying I was being promoted. They chose someone else.

  1. She was exhausted after working for 12 hours on the campaign, but she got ... after lunch.

  1. It's coming ....  to get these documents sent on time.

  1. You're ... by not saving part of your income now.

  1. We are so busy during the high season I can barely ... 

  1. If they don't accept our offer this time we are going to ... and look for something else.

  1. I think I’m a ...for the manager position.

  1. It will probably take some time at my new job before I ... of things.

  1. When you arrive in New York, remember to ... us. We’ll be waiting for your call.

  1. It’s not up to me anymore. I’ve done my part, now ...

  1. Down to the last days before we finish the deal. Please, ... and focus more than ever.

  1. I never though we could ... with this ad campaign but it seemed everybody loved it.

  1. It was ...when she used her best friend's weakness to get the job.



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