How can I learn idioms: sports in English?

The most effective way is spaced repetition: practice this deck of 41 flashcards using the Flashcards, Learn, Write, and Match modes. The system shows you each word right before you're about to forget it, so you retain it long-term instead of just memorizing it for a test.

How many words are in the idioms: sports deck?

This deck has 41 cards at level B2, each with pronunciation audio and an example sentence.

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Idioms: sports

Learn English idioms that come from sports but are used every day, from "drop the ball" to "out of your league".

B241 cards

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Terms in this deck

step up to the plate
to take responsibility and act when needed
drop the ball
to fail to do something you were responsible for
a whole new ball game
a completely different situation
hit it out of the park
to do something extremely well
front runner
the person most likely to win or succeed
a level playing field
a fair situation where everyone has an equal chance
throw a curveball
to surprise someone with something unexpected and difficult
a ballpark figure
a rough estimate
a photo finish
a result so close it's hard to tell who won
score points
to gain approval or advantage
off to a flying start
to begin something very successfully
game plan
a strategy for achieving something
a moving target
a goal that keeps changing
the underdog
the competitor expected to lose
neck and neck
very close in a competition
tag team
to work together with someone, taking turns
throw your hat in the ring
to announce that you're joining a competition
saved by the bell
rescued from a difficult situation at the last moment
play hardball
to act aggressively or ruthlessly to get what you want
a fighting chance
a reasonable chance of success despite difficulty
go the distance
to continue to the very end, especially under difficulty
out of your league
too good, skilled, or attractive for you
down for the count
defeated, unable to continue
raise the stakes
to increase the risk or importance of a situation
in the running
to be a contender for something
below the belt
unfair or cruel
on the ropes
in a very difficult, losing position
a knockout
something stunning or impressive
on the sidelines
not actively involved in something
a Monday morning quarterback
someone who criticizes decisions after they've already happened
a slam dunk
something certain to succeed
sudden death
a situation decided by the very next event
in someone's corner
to support someone
the home stretch
the last part of something
off base
mistaken or inappropriate
roll with the punches
to adapt calmly to difficulties as they happen
down and out
defeated, with nothing left
take a hit
to suffer damage or loss
a shoo-in
someone certain to win
in the zone
fully focused and performing at your best
throw someone off their game
to disrupt someone's performance or focus

How to study this deck

Sports, especially baseball, have given English many everyday idioms: "drop the ball", "hit it out of the park", "a level playing field". Learn their figurative sense and use them at work or in conversations. They are very common in the US, so recognizing them will help you understand movies and news.

The trickiest words

drop the ball: it means to fail at a responsibility: "I dropped the ball on that project".
hit it out of the park: it means to achieve a great success, like a home run.
a level playing field: it means fair conditions for everyone involved.

Examples in context

It's time to step up to the plate.
We need a level playing field for small businesses.
The season is off to a flying start.
We tag-teamed the presentation.
The boxer went the distance.
That comment was below the belt.
This deal is a slam dunk.
You have to roll with the punches.

Mini dialogue

A: Did you finish the presentation?
B: Yes, and I hit it out of the park.
A: I dropped the ball on the report.
B: Step up to the plate and fix it. It is a whole new ball game now.