What does “For the love of the game.” mean?
"For the love of the game" means when someone does something solely for the pleasure of it, rather than for any reward or benefit.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He spends hours practicing basketball every day, for the love of the game. He doesn't care about winning or losing, he just enjoys playing.
Example
She volunteers to coach the little league team for the love of the game. She doesn't get paid, but she loves seeing the kids improve and have fun.
Example
Even though he could make more money in a different career, he chooses to work in the music industry for the love of the game. He is passionate about music and enjoys every aspect of his job
Is “For the love of the game.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“For the love of the game.” 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 “For the love of the game.” effectively in context?
You can use "For the love of the game" to describe someone who does something solely for the pleasure of it, rather than for any reward or benefit. It emphasizes the idea of passion and enjoyment. For example, if a friend spends hours practicing basketball every day without caring about winning or losing, you might say, 'He plays for the love of the game. He just enjoys playing.'
- 1Hobby
She spends hours painting every day for the love of the game. She doesn't sell her artwork, but she finds joy in the process.
- 2Volunteering
He dedicates his weekends to helping at the local animal shelter for the love of the game. He doesn't receive any payment, but he loves taking care of the animals.
- 3Career
Despite the challenges, she continues to pursue acting for the love of the game. She enjoys performing and being on stage, regardless of the financial rewards.
Similar phrases to “For the love of the game.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “For the love of the game.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "For the love of the game" is unknown.
Is “For the love of the game.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "For the love of the game" is a common phrase in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe their motivations for engaging in activities purely for enjoyment and passion.
What tone does “For the love of the game.” have?
"For the love of the game" conveys a tone of enthusiasm and dedication. It highlights the idea of doing something out of pure love and enjoyment, without any ulterior motives.
Can “For the love of the game.” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "For the love of the game" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile phrase that captures the essence of pursuing activities for personal fulfillment. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal contexts such as interviews or presentations.
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, 'He volunteers at the community center for the love of the game.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I do it "for the love of the game"' to express one's passion and dedication.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- for the pleasure
- out of love
- purely for enjoyment
- driven by passion
- for the thrill
Antonyms
- for the money
- for the fame
- for the recognition
- for personal gain