ENGLISH IDIOMS: SPORTS

IDIOM 1: "to drop the ball"
-> MEANING: make an error or mistake, handle things badly
-> EXAMPLE: The government dropped the ball on their decision to expand the airport runway without consulting the local residents.

IDIOM 2: "to hand the torch/baton to someone "
-> MEANING: hand over a particular duty or responsibility to someone (from the baton or torch that is passed from one runner to the next in a relay race)
-> EXAMPLE: The president of the company handed the torch to his son when he decided to retire.

IDIOM 3: "to hit someone below the belt"
-> MEANING: unfair, not following the rules (from hitting low in boxing)
-> EXAMPLE: It was a case of hitting someone below the belt when the girl stole her best friend's boyfriend from her.

IDIOM 4: "to jump the gun"
-> MEANING: start before the starting signal or before you should start (as in a race)
-> EXAMPLE: My friend jumped the gun and applied for the job before he knew that his application was accepted.

IDIOM 5: "to score points with someone"
-> MEANING: to gain the favor of someone
-> EXAMPLE: The salesman always worked extra hours in order to score points with his boss.