Business English: 10 American Sports Idioms Everyone Should Know
Sports play an important role in the United States. The sports industry makes billions of dollars on tickets and merchandise with millions of fans attending events all over the country every year to cheer on their home teams. Sociologically speaking, many Americans identify with their sports teams and culturally feel connected to a specific region and city through the attendance of sports events. Even on vacation, you will see many Americans wearing merchandise showing what team they support.
Unsurprisingly, the importance of sports is also reflected in the way people speak. American English is full of sports idioms. You will hear them in everyday communication between friends as well as during business meetings, and negotiations between world leaders. As an English learner you won’t have to use these idioms but should be able to understand them. However, if you want to move your English fluency to the next level and want to speak the language of, for example, your business counterpart, you should incorporate American sports idioms into your speech.
Don’t forget that humans react positively to people who really speak their language. It makes it easier for them to open up and to feel at ease (=relaxed). Using an advanced level of English can tip negotiations in your favor and might decide whether your new business venture will be successful or not.
Now let’s learn 10 of the most common sports idioms found in American English:
Ballpark = approximate number
Example: “Can you get us a ballpark figure on our annual earnings?”
Example 2: “What’s the ballpark here? Can you give me an estimate?”
A curveball = an unexpected move or event that is difficult to deal with
Example: “That was a real curveball when they decided to suddenly increase the price dramatically.”
Example 2: Company xyz threw us a curveball during our negotiations by asking for a much higher price.”
To drop the ball = to make a mistake, miss an opportunity, or forget to do something
Example: “I really dropped the ball yesterday when I showed up unprepared for the meeting.”
A full-court press = an all-out effort to apply pressure
Example: Our team will need to do a full-court press on our supplier to ensure timely (=on time) delivery.
To hit a home run = to be very successful
Example: Sarah hit a home run when she closed the big deal with Google.
To play ball (with) = to cooperate or act fairly with
Example: Let’s hope headquarters will agree to play ball when it comes to our new strategy.
Example 2: He decided to play ball and gave up on pushing back on (=resisting) our new marketing strategy.
To be saved by the bell = to be saved from something bad by a timely interruption
Example: Our presentation was not going well, but we were saved by the bell when the fire alarm went off.
To throw in the towel = to quit or admit defeat
Example: I had tried to recover my deleted file for two hours when I finally decided to throw in the towel.
(Someone’s) wheelhouse = (someone’s) area of expertise, where they are most comfortable
Example: Tracy is an expert in diplomacy so negotiations are in her wheelhouse.
To take a rain check = To move plans to a later date
Example: Thanks for the invite to dinner tonight, but can I take a rain check? I need to work longer tonight.