Sports Expressions

Video from the TV Show "Crazy ExGirlfriend" about sports idioms and expressions (though in the video they are labeled sports analogies).



Sports expressions heard in the video

Expression Meaning Example Usage
Down for the count Temporarily defeated or out of action. After working all night, I was down for the count and needed sleep.
Down to the wire Something that is decided at the last possible moment. The competition went down to the wire, with a winner determined in the final seconds.
Drop the ball To make a mistake or fail to take action. He dropped the ball when he forgot to turn in his assignment.
Aim a little higher To set bigger goals or strive for more. Your goals are good, but you should aim a little higher and challenge yourself.
Go to the mat To fight hard for something or defend a position. She was willing to go to the mat for her team in the negotiations.
Talk a big game To boast or make bold claims about one’s abilities. He talks a big game, but can he actually deliver results?
Par for the course Something typical or expected in a situation. Delays in construction projects are par for the course.
Swing for the fences To take a big risk or make a bold attempt. Instead of playing it safe, he decided to swing for the fences with his new business idea.
Full court press Intense effort or pressure to achieve a goal. The company is putting on a full court press to finalize the deal.
Inches to go Very close to reaching a goal. We have just inches to go before completing the project.
Our lead to blow A warning about losing an advantage. We need to stay focused—it’s our lead to blow.
Run out the clock To waste time to maintain an advantage. Instead of taking risks, they decided to run out the clock in the final minutes.
Keep your eye on the ball To stay focused and pay attention. Despite the distractions, she kept her eye on the ball and finished her work.
Go for the gold To strive for the best possible outcome. He’s not just aiming for success—he’s going for the gold.
On the ropes In a difficult or near-defeated position. The company was on the ropes after a series of failed product launches.
Throw a Hail Mary A last-ditch effort or desperate attempt. With only minutes left, they threw a Hail Mary to try and win the deal.