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. |