Sports Idioms I: Dating

Sports Idioms

I. Dating. Read the dialogue below. Underline any expressions you see that come from sports. Also, try to choose which sport each expression comes from.

Speaker B had a date with the girl of his dreams last night, but it didn’t go so well. Now he’s discussing the situation with his friend.

A: So, how was your date with Angelina last night?
B: Not so good. I struck out again.
A: Really? Did you finally get to first base?
B: No, she wouldn’t even let me hold her hand! The problem is that she’s very picky. She wants someone rich, macho, and funny, but I don’t have money or muscles, so that’s two strikes against me.
A: Well, are you going to see her again?
B: Sure. It might be a no-win situation, but I can’t throw in the towel already.
A: But don’t you think she’s out of your league?
B: Of course not. It may be a long shot, but next time I see her I’m going to plan a really romantic evening and try to win her over.
A: Well, that sounds like a good game plan. I hope you can score next time!
B: I’ll do what I can. It ain’t over until it’s over.
A: And if not, that’s just the way the ball bounces…

II. Matching. Match the definition with the expression.

___ to strike out

___ to get to first base

___ have two strikes against you

___ no-win situation

___ throw in the towel

___ That’s the way the ball bounces

___ out of your league

___ a long shot

___ a game plan

___ to score

___ It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.

a) To be close to failing; have only one more chance
b) To give up
c) To feel that someone is better than you
d) A strategy; option
e) To achieve something; get something good
f) To kiss a girl
g) To have little chance of winning or succeeding
h) You always have a chance until something is officially finished
i) To be hopeless; there’s nothing you can do to get what you want
j) To fail
k) To have no control over something

III. Practice. Repeat the bold-faced expressions as you practice.

1) How do you feel when you strike out at something? Do you get really upset? Or do you get ready to try again?
2) How many dates do you think a young couple should have before the guy can get to first base?
3) If you think you are in a no-win situation, do you throw in the towel? Or do you never give up?
4) Do you sometimes say “That’s the way the ball bounces?” Or do you think you have control over EVERYTHING in life?
5) If you think someone is out of your league but you really like him/her, will you still try to get them?
6) Do you think Japan is a long shot to win the Soccer World Cup someday soon? Or do they have a good chance?
7) Do you have a good game plan for after you graduate? Or are you still thinking about what to do?
8) When is the last time you thought, “I scored”? What was something good that happened to you recently?
9) If you are watching sports on TV and your team is losing badly, do you throw in the towel and turn off the TV? Or do you say “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over”?