What does “Drop the ball” mean?
"Drop the ball" means to make a mistake or fail to do something that you were supposed to do.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I really dropped the ball on that project.
Example
He dropped the ball and forgot to pick up the kids from school.
Example
The team dropped the ball and lost the game in the final seconds
Is “Drop the ball” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Drop the ball” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Drop the ball” effectively in context?
You can use "Drop the Ball" to describe a situation where someone makes a mistake or fails to do something they were supposed to do. It emphasizes the idea of dropping or fumbling a ball, which represents a missed opportunity or failure. For example, if a colleague forgets to send an important email, you might say, 'She really dropped the ball on that one.'
- 1Work
I had so much on my plate that I dropped the ball and forgot about the meeting.
- 2Parenting
In the chaos of the day, he dropped the ball and forgot to pack his child's lunch.
- 3Sports
The team had a chance to win, but they dropped the ball and lost the game in the final seconds.
Similar phrases to “Drop the ball”:
Mess up
To make a mistake or do something incorrectly
Example
I really messed up that presentation.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Drop the ball” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Drop the Ball" is unknown.
Is “Drop the ball” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Drop the Ball" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where someone makes a mistake or fails to fulfill their responsibilities.
What tone does “Drop the ball” have?
"Drop the Ball" conveys a tone of disappointment or frustration. It's often used to express dissatisfaction with someone's performance or to acknowledge one's own failure.
Can “Drop the ball” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Drop the Ball" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a common human error. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings or professional emails.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She really dropped the ball on that project.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Oops, I "dropped the ball"!' to admit a mistake.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- make an error
- fail to deliver
- miss the mark
- fall short
- fumble
