Sports idioms

**1. Throw in the towel**
– **Meaning:** To give up or admit defeat.
– **Origin:** Derived from boxing, where a trainer throws a towel into the ring to signal surrender.
– **Example:** After a long argument, she finally threw in the towel and apologized.

**2. Down for the count**
– **Meaning:** Incapacitated or unable to continue.
– **Origin:** Boxing terminology, where a boxer who is knocked down must rise before the referee counts to ten to continue.
– **Example:** After a challenging day at work, I was down for the count as soon as I got home.

**3. Knock it out of the park**
– **Meaning:** To excel or succeed spectacularly.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where hitting a home run means hitting the ball out of the park.
– **Example:** She really knocked it out of the park with her presentation; it was impressive.

**4. Hit below the belt**
– **Meaning:** To behave unfairly or unethically.
– **Origin:** From boxing, where hitting an opponent below the belt is considered a foul.
– **Example:** His comments during the debate were seen as hitting below the belt.

**5. Curveball**
– **Meaning:** An unexpected or surprising event or situation.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where a curveball is a pitch that moves unexpectedly.
– **Example:** The sudden change in the weather was a real curveball.

**6. On the ropes**
– **Meaning:** In a difficult or vulnerable position.
– **Origin:** From boxing, where a fighter pushed against the ropes is at a disadvantage.
– **Example:** The company is on the ropes after the financial scandal.

**7. Catch-22**
– **Meaning:** A situation with contradictory or absurd rules or conditions.
– **Origin:** From the novel “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller, where the term describes a paradoxical military regulation.
– **Example:** It’s a catch-22; you need experience to get a job, but you need a job to gain experience.

**8. Get the ball rolling**
– **Meaning:** To start a process or initiative.
– **Origin:** From sports like soccer and football, where a game begins with the kickoff.
– **Example:** Let’s get the ball rolling on the project by scheduling our first meeting.

**9. Jump the gun**
– **Meaning:** To start something prematurely or before the appropriate time.
– **Origin:** From the sport of track and field, where jumping the gun means starting a race before the signal.
– **Example:** I think we jumped the gun by announcing the event before securing sponsors.

**10. Hail Mary**
– **Meaning:** A desperate or unlikely attempt to achieve success.
– **Origin:** From American football, where a “Hail Mary pass” is a long, improbable throw to score in the final seconds.
– **Example:** We’re going to need a Hail Mary to finish the project on time.

**11. On the same team**
– **Meaning:** In agreement or working together towards a common goal.
– **Origin:** From team sports, where players on the same team cooperate to win.
– **Example:** We may have different opinions, but we’re on the same team when it comes to our company’s success.

**12. Keep your eye on the ball**
– **Meaning:** Stay focused on the main objective or task.
– **Origin:** Advice given in various ball sports to maintain concentration.
– **Example:** To succeed in this project, we need to keep our eye on the ball and not get distracted.

**13. Drop the ball**
– **Meaning:** To make a mistake or fail to complete a task or responsibility.
– **Origin:** From sports where dropping the ball can result in a turnover or missed opportunity.
– **Example:** I’m afraid I dropped the ball on this project; I missed an important deadline.

**14. Move the goalposts**
– **Meaning:** To change the rules or criteria for something to make it harder to achieve.
– **Origin:** From sports like soccer, where moving the goalposts would make scoring more difficult.
– **Example:** It’s not fair to move the goalposts after we’ve already started the project.

**15. Out of left field**
– **Meaning:** Unexpected or coming from an unusual source.
– **Origin:** In baseball, the left field is far from the typical areas of action, so unexpected events happening “out of left field” are surprising.
– **Example:** His sudden resignation came out of left field; we had no idea he was unhappy.

**16. Hit it out of the park**
– **Meaning:** To achieve great success or exceed expectations.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where hitting a home run by sending the ball out of the park is a remarkable achievement.
– **Example:** Our marketing team really hit it out of the park with the new campaign; sales have skyrocketed.

**17. Keep one’s eye on the prize**
– **Meaning:** Stay focused on the ultimate goal or reward.
– **Origin:** Encouragement for athletes to stay concentrated on the prize they seek.
– **Example:** It’s essential to keep our eyes on the prize if we want to succeed in this competitive market.

**18. In the home stretch**
– **Meaning:** In the final stage or part of a task or race.
– **Origin:** From horse racing, where the final stretch of the track leads to the finish line.
–

**Example:** We’re in the home stretch of the project, so let’s give it one final push to completion.

**19. Go to bat for someone**
– **Meaning:** To support or defend someone.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where a batter goes to bat for their team.
– **Example:** I’ll go to bat for you during the meeting and explain your perspective.

**20. Keep the ball rolling**
– **Meaning:** To continue or maintain progress or momentum.
– **Origin:** From sports where keeping the ball moving is essential for gameplay.
– **Example:** Let’s keep the ball rolling on the project by staying organized and motivated.

**21. Get in the game**
– **Meaning:** To become actively involved in a situation or activity.
– **Origin:** Sports terminology, where players must be in the game to participate.
– **Example:** If you want to succeed in this industry, you need to get in the game and start networking.

**22. Go the distance**
– **Meaning:** To endure or complete a challenging task or journey.
– **Origin:** From boxing, where going the distance means lasting all rounds of a match.
– **Example:** We may face obstacles, but we’re determined to go the distance and achieve our goals.

**23. Behind the eight-ball**
– **Meaning:** In a difficult or unfavorable position.
– **Origin:** From the game of pool, where the eight-ball is a challenging target to hit.
– **Example:** Due to budget cuts, we’re behind the eight-ball on this project.

**24. Throw a curveball**
– **Meaning:** To introduce an unexpected or difficult challenge.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where a curveball is a challenging pitch to hit.
– **Example:** The sudden change in market trends threw a curveball into our business plan.

**25. Touch base**
– **Meaning:** To make contact or communicate briefly with someone.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where runners must touch each base when advancing.
– **Example:** Let’s touch base later this week to discuss our progress.

**26. Call the shots**
– **Meaning:** To make decisions or be in control.
– **Origin:** From sports like billiards, where a player who “calls the shots” decides the order of play.
– **Example:** As the project manager, you get to call the shots and determine the strategy.

**27. Keep on the straight and narrow**
– **Meaning:** To stay on the right path and avoid trouble.
– **Origin:** From sports involving narrow tracks, where deviating from the straight path can lead to disqualification.
– **Example:** He’s had some challenges in the past, but now he’s keeping on the straight and narrow.

**28. Run interference**
– **Meaning:** To intervene or obstruct to help someone.
– **Origin:** From American football, where a player might “run interference” to block defenders.
– **Example:** She ran interference with the client to resolve the issue smoothly.

**29. Back to square one**
– **Meaning:** To return to the starting point or original problem.
– **Origin:** Uncertain, but possibly from early radio broadcasts of football matches that used numbered squares to explain plays.
– **Example:** After the failed negotiation, we’re back to square one in our search for a solution.

**30. In the driver’s seat**
– **Meaning:** In control or in a position of power.
– **Origin:** From racing, where the driver in the lead is in control of the race.
– **Example:** With the majority of the votes, she’s in the driver’s seat for the upcoming election.

**31. Throw a wrench in the works**
– **Meaning:** To disrupt or complicate a plan or situation.
– **Origin:** From mechanics, where a wrench thrown into machinery can cause it to malfunction.
– **Example:** The unexpected power outage threw a wrench in the works of our presentation.

**32. Jump through hoops**
– **Meaning:** To go through a series of challenging or unnecessary steps.
– **Origin:** From circus acts where animals jump through hoops to perform tricks.
– **Example:** The bureaucracy required us to jump through hoops to get the necessary permits.

**33. Full-court press**
– **Meaning:** Putting in maximum effort or pressure.
– **Origin:** From basketball, where a full-court press involves intense defensive pressure on the entire court.
– **Example:** We need a full-court press to meet the project deadline.

**34. Run the gamut**
– **Meaning:** To cover a wide range or variety.
– **Origin:** From “gamut,” a medieval musical scale that represented a full range of musical notes.
– **Example:** Her emotions ran the gamut from excitement to disappointment during the roller coaster ride.

**35. Face off**
– **Meaning:** To confront or compete against someone.
– **Origin:** From hockey, where players “face off” by contesting the puck at the start of a period.
– **Example:** The two teams are about to face off in the championship match.

**36. Out of bounds**
– **Meaning:** Beyond the acceptable limits or inappropriate.
– **Origin:** From sports like basketball, where going out of bounds means stepping outside the playing area.
– **Example:** His comments during the meeting were out of bounds and offended many.

**37. Cover all the bases**
– **Meaning:** To address all aspects or possibilities.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where runners must touch all the bases to score a run.
– **Example:** In our presentation, we need to cover all the bases to ensure clarity.

**38. Down to the wire**
– **Meaning:** Happening at the last possible moment or in the final stages.
– **Origin:** From horse racing, where the wire marks the finish line.
– **Example:** The negotiations went down to the wire, but we reached an agreement.

**39. Play hardball**
– **Meaning:** To be tough and unyielding in negotiations or interactions.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where “playing hardball” refers to a more aggressive style of play.
– **Example:** If they won’t compromise, we’ll have to play hardball in the contract negotiations.

**40. Move the chains**
– **Meaning:** To make progress or advance incrementally.
– **Origin:** From American football, where moving the chains refers to gaining enough yardage for a first down.
– **Example:** We need to move the chains on this project by achieving our weekly goals.

**41. Up to bat**
– **Meaning:** In a position to take action or make an attempt.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where a batter is “up to bat” when it’s their turn to hit.
– **Example:** It’s up to us to make this project a success; we’re up to bat now.

**42. Offside**
– **Meaning:** In an illegal or disadvantageous position.
– **Origin:** From sports like soccer and hockey, where players

can be “offside” when ahead of the ball or puck.
– **Example:** The player was called offside, nullifying the potential goal.

**43. Hit a home run**
– **Meaning:** To achieve a significant success or accomplishment.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where hitting a home run is the most valuable play.
– **Example:** The product launch was a hit; it was a real home run for the company.

**44. Drop the ball**
– **Meaning:** To make a mistake or fail to complete a task.
– **Origin:** From sports where dropping the ball can result in a turnover or missed opportunity.
– **Example:** I’m afraid I dropped the ball on this project; I missed an important deadline.

**45. First string**
– **Meaning:** The best or top choice or option.
– **Origin:** From sports teams, where the “first string” players are considered the best.
– **Example:** We need our first-string team on this project to ensure its success.

**46. In the red zone**
– **Meaning:** In a critical or dangerous situation.
– **Origin:** From American football, where the “red zone” is the area close to the opponent’s end zone where scoring is more challenging.
– **Example:** Our financial situation is in the red zone; we need to make changes to avoid trouble.

**47. Go the extra mile**
– **Meaning:** To make additional effort or do more than required.
– **Origin:** From long-distance races, where going the extra mile means surpassing the expected distance.
– **Example:** She always goes the extra mile to provide excellent customer service.

**48. Cover one’s bases**
– **Meaning:** To take precautions or plan carefully to avoid problems.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where fielders move to cover their bases to prevent runners from advancing.
– **Example:** We need to cover our bases before launching the new product.

**49. In the driver’s seat**
– **Meaning:** In control or in a position of power.
– **Origin:** From racing, where the driver in the lead is in control of the race.
– **Example:** With the majority of the votes, she’s in the driver’s seat for the upcoming election.

**50. Out of one’s league**
– **Meaning:** Beyond one’s abilities or resources.
– **Origin:** From sports leagues, where teams or players may be at different skill levels.
– **Example:** This project is out of my league; I don’t have the necessary expertise.

**51. Get in the game**
– **Meaning:** To become actively involved in a situation or activity.
– **Origin:** Sports terminology, where players must be in the game to participate.
– **Example:** If you want to succeed in this industry, you need to get in the game and start networking.

**52. Level playing field**
– **Meaning:** A fair and equal situation where everyone has the same opportunities.
– **Origin:** From sports like soccer or American football, where the field must be flat and even for fair competition.
– **Example:** We need to create a level playing field for all employees to thrive.

**53. Keep one’s eye on the ball**
– **Meaning:** Stay focused on the main objective or task.
– **Origin:** Advice given in various ball sports to maintain concentration.
– **Example:** To succeed in this project, we need to keep our eye on the ball and not get distracted.

**54. Cover all the bases**
– **Meaning:** To address all aspects or possibilities.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where runners must touch all the bases to score a run.
– **Example:** In our presentation, we need to cover all the bases to ensure clarity.

**55. Face the music**
– **Meaning:** To confront the consequences of one’s actions.
– **Origin:** Uncertain, but possibly from theater or military traditions.
– **Example:** He had been avoiding the issue for too long; now it’s time to face the music.

**56. Call the shots**
– **Meaning:** To make decisions or be in control.
– **Origin:** From sports like billiards, where a player who “calls the shots” decides the order of play.
– **Example:** As the project manager, you get to call the shots and determine the strategy.

**57. Out of left field**
– **Meaning:** Unexpected or coming from an unusual source.
– **Origin:** In baseball, the left field is far from the typical areas of action, so unexpected events happening “out of left field” are surprising.
– **Example:** His sudden resignation came out of left field; we had no idea he was unhappy.

**58. Run interference**
– **Meaning:** To intervene or obstruct to help someone.
– **Origin:** From American football, where a player might “run interference” to block defenders.
– **Example:** She ran interference with the client to resolve the issue smoothly.

**59. Back to square one**
– **Meaning:** To return to the starting point or original problem.
– **Origin:** Uncertain, but possibly from early radio broadcasts of football matches that used numbered squares to explain plays.
– **Example:** After the failed negotiation, we’re back to square one in our search for a solution.

**60. Go to bat for someone**
– **Meaning:** To support or defend someone.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where a batter goes to bat for their team.
– **Example:** I’ll go to bat for you during the meeting and explain your perspective.

**61. Jump through hoops**
– **Meaning:** To go through a series of challenging or unnecessary steps.
– **Origin:** From circus acts where animals jump through hoops to perform tricks.
– **Example:** The bureaucracy required us to jump through hoops to get the necessary permits.

**62. In the red zone

**
– **Meaning:** In a critical or dangerous situation.
– **Origin:** From American football, where the “red zone” is the area close to the opponent’s end zone where scoring is more challenging.
– **Example:** Our financial situation is in the red zone; we need to make changes to avoid trouble.

**63. Keep on the straight and narrow**
– **Meaning:** To stay on the right path and avoid trouble.
– **Origin:** From sports involving narrow tracks, where deviating from the straight path can lead to disqualification.
– **Example:** He’s had some challenges in the past, but now he’s keeping on the straight and narrow.

**64. Run the gauntlet**
– **Meaning:** To face a series of challenges or obstacles.
– **Origin:** From a medieval punishment where a person had to run between two rows of people who would strike them.
– **Example:** Starting a new job can feel like running the gauntlet of meeting new colleagues and learning new processes.

**65. Hit a home run**
– **Meaning:** To achieve a significant success or accomplishment.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where hitting a home run is the most valuable play.
– **Example:** The product launch was a hit; it was a real home run for the company.

**66. Keep one’s eye on the prize**
– **Meaning:** Stay focused on the ultimate goal or reward.
– **Origin:** Encouragement for athletes to stay concentrated on the prize they seek.
– **Example:** It’s essential to keep our eyes on the prize if we want to succeed in this competitive market.

**67. In the home stretch**
– **Meaning:** In the final stage or part of a task or race.
– **Origin:** From horse racing, where the final stretch of the track leads to the finish line.
– **Example:** We’re in the home stretch of the project, so let’s give it one final push to completion.

**68. Move the goalposts**
– **Meaning:** To change the rules or criteria for something to make it harder to achieve.
– **Origin:** From sports like soccer, where moving the goalposts would make scoring more difficult.
– **Example:** It’s not fair to move the goalposts after we’ve already started the project.

**69. In the driver’s seat**
– **Meaning:** In control or in a position of power.
– **Origin:** From racing, where the driver in the lead is in control of the race.
– **Example:** With the majority of the votes, she’s in the driver’s seat for the upcoming election.

**70. Go the extra mile**
– **Meaning:** To make additional effort or do more than required.
– **Origin:** From long-distance races, where going the extra mile means surpassing the expected distance.
– **Example:** She always goes the extra mile to provide excellent customer service.

**71. Cover one’s bases**
– **Meaning:** To take precautions or plan carefully to avoid problems.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where fielders move to cover their bases to prevent runners from advancing.
– **Example:** We need to cover our bases before launching the new product.

**72. Face the music**
– **Meaning:** To confront the consequences of one’s actions.
– **Origin:** Uncertain, but possibly from theater or military traditions.
– **Example:** He had been avoiding the issue for too long; now it’s time to face the music.

**73. Call the shots**
– **Meaning:** To make decisions or be in control.
– **Origin:** From sports like billiards, where a player who “calls the shots” decides the order of play.
– **Example:** As the project manager, you get to call the shots and determine the strategy.

**74. Out of left field**
– **Meaning:** Unexpected or coming from an unusual source.
– **Origin:** In baseball, the left field is far from the typical areas of action, so unexpected events happening “out of left field” are surprising.
– **Example:** His sudden resignation came out of left field; we had no idea he was unhappy.

**75. Run interference**
– **Meaning:** To intervene or obstruct to help someone.
– **Origin:** From American football, where a player might “run interference” to block defenders.
– **Example:** She ran interference with the client to resolve the issue smoothly.

**76. Back to square one**
– **Meaning:** To return to the starting point or original problem.
– **Origin:** Uncertain, but possibly from early radio broadcasts of football matches that used numbered squares to explain plays.
– **Example:** After the failed negotiation, we’re back to square one in our search for a solution.

**77. Go to bat for someone**
– **Meaning:** To support or defend someone.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where a batter goes to bat for their team.
– **Example:** I’ll go to bat for you during the meeting and explain your perspective.

**78. Jump through hoops**
– **Meaning:** To go through a series of challenging or unnecessary steps.
– **Origin:** From circus acts where animals jump through hoops to perform tricks.
– **Example:** The bureaucracy required us to jump through hoops to get the necessary permits.

**79. In the red zone**
– **Meaning:** In a critical or dangerous situation.
– **Origin:** From American football, where the “red zone” is the area close to the opponent’s end zone where scoring is more challenging.
– **Example:** Our financial situation is in the red zone; we need to make changes to avoid trouble.

**80. Keep on the straight and narrow**
– **Meaning:** To stay on the right path and avoid trouble.
– **Origin:** From sports involving narrow tracks, where deviating from the straight path can lead to disqualification.
– **Example:** He’s had some challenges in the past, but now he’s keeping on the straight and narrow.

**81. Run the gauntlet**
– **Meaning:** To face a series of challenges or obstacles.
– **Origin:** From a medieval punishment where a person had to run between two rows of people who would strike them.
– **Example:** Starting a new job can feel like running the gauntlet of meeting new colleagues and learning new processes.

**82. Hit a home run**
– **Meaning:** To achieve a significant success or accomplishment.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where hitting a home run is the most valuable play.
– **Example:** The product launch was a hit; it was a real home run for the company.

**83. Keep one’s eye on the prize**
– **Meaning:** Stay focused on the ultimate goal or reward.
– **Origin:** Encouragement for athletes to stay concentrated on the prize they seek.
– **Example:** It’s essential to keep our eyes on the prize if we want to succeed in this competitive market.

**84. In the home stretch**
– **Meaning:** In the final stage or part of a task or race.
– **Origin:** From horse racing

, where the final stretch of the track leads to the finish line.
– **Example:** We’re in the home stretch of the project, so let’s give it one final push to completion.

**85. Move the goalposts**
– **Meaning:** To change the rules or criteria for something to make it harder to achieve.
– **Origin:** From sports like soccer, where moving the goalposts would make scoring more difficult.
– **Example:** It’s not fair to move the goalposts after we’ve already started the project.

**86. In the driver’s seat**
– **Meaning:** In control or in a position of power.
– **Origin:** From racing, where the driver in the lead is in control of the race.
– **Example:** With the majority of the votes, she’s in the driver’s seat for the upcoming election.

**87. Go the extra mile**
– **Meaning:** To make additional effort or do more than required.
– **Origin:** From long-distance races, where going the extra mile means surpassing the expected distance.
– **Example:** She always goes the extra mile to provide excellent customer service.

**88. Cover one’s bases**
– **Meaning:** To take precautions or plan carefully to avoid problems.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where fielders move to cover their bases to prevent runners from advancing.
– **Example:** We need to cover our bases before launching the new product.

**89. Face the music**
– **Meaning:** To confront the consequences of one’s actions.
– **Origin:** Uncertain, but possibly from theater or military traditions.
– **Example:** He had been avoiding the issue for too long; now it’s time to face the music.

**90. Call the shots**
– **Meaning:** To make decisions or be in control.
– **Origin:** From sports like billiards, where a player who “calls the shots” decides the order of play.
– **Example:** As the project manager, you get to call the shots and determine the strategy.

**91. Out of left field**
– **Meaning:** Unexpected or coming from an unusual source.
– **Origin:** In baseball, the left field is far from the typical areas of action, so unexpected events happening “out of left field” are surprising.
– **Example:** His sudden resignation came out of left field; we had no idea he was unhappy.

**92. Run interference**
– **Meaning:** To intervene or obstruct to help someone.
– **Origin:** From American football, where a player might “run interference” to block defenders.
– **Example:** She ran interference with the client to resolve the issue smoothly.

**93. Back to square one**
– **Meaning:** To return to the starting point or original problem.
– **Origin:** Uncertain, but possibly from early radio broadcasts of football matches that used numbered squares to explain plays.
– **Example:** After the failed negotiation, we’re back to square one in our search for a solution.

**94. Go to bat for someone**
– **Meaning:** To support or defend someone.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where a batter goes to bat for their team.
– **Example:** I’ll go to bat for you during the meeting and explain your perspective.

**95. Jump through hoops**
– **Meaning:** To go through a series of challenging or unnecessary steps.
– **Origin:** From circus acts where animals jump through hoops to perform tricks.
– **Example:** The bureaucracy required us to jump through hoops to get the necessary permits.

**96. In the red zone**
– **Meaning:** In a critical or dangerous situation.
– **Origin:** From American football, where the “red zone” is the area close to the opponent’s end zone where scoring is more challenging.
– **Example:** Our financial situation is in the red zone; we need to make changes to avoid trouble.

**97. Keep on the straight and narrow**
– **Meaning:** To stay on the right path and avoid trouble.
– **Origin:** From sports involving narrow tracks, where deviating from the straight path can lead to disqualification.
– **Example:** He’s had some challenges in the past, but now he’s keeping on the straight and narrow.

**98. Run the gauntlet**
– **Meaning:** To face a series of challenges or obstacles.
– **Origin:** From a medieval punishment where a person had to run between two rows of people who would strike them.
– **Example:** Starting a new job can feel like running the gauntlet of meeting new colleagues and learning new processes.

**99. Hit a home run**
– **Meaning:** To achieve a significant success or accomplishment.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where hitting a home run is the most valuable play.
– **Example:** The product launch was a hit; it was a real home run for the company.

**100. Keep one’s eye on the prize**
– **Meaning:** Stay focused on the ultimate goal or reward.
– **Origin:** Encouragement for athletes to stay concentrated on the prize they seek.
– **Example:** It’s essential to keep our eyes on the prize if we want to succeed in this competitive market.

These are just some of the many sports idioms that have found their way into everyday language. They add color and vivid imagery to our conversations and often make it easier to express complex ideas or situations in a more relatable way.

**101. Catch someone off guard**
– **Meaning:** To surprise or catch someone unprepared.
– **Origin:** From sports where being off guard can lead to an opponent’s advantage.
– **Example:** His unexpected question caught me off guard during the interview.

**102. Stick to your guns**
– **Meaning:** To firmly maintain one’s position or beliefs.
– **Origin:** From shooting sports, where sticking to one’s chosen firearm is crucial.
– **Example:** Despite the criticism, she stuck to her guns and defended her decision.

**103. Get the ball rolling**
– **Meaning:** To start a process or project.
– **Origin:** From sports where rolling the ball initiates the game.
– **Example:** Let’s get the ball rolling on the new marketing campaign.

**104. Throw in the towel**
– **Meaning:** To give up or surrender.
– **Origin:** From boxing, where a fighter’s corner may throw a towel into the ring to signal surrender.
– **Example:** After several failed attempts, he decided to throw in the towel and admit defeat.

**105. Shoot yourself in the foot**
– **Meaning:** To harm one’s own interests through one’s actions.
– **Origin:** Uncertain, but likely related to self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
– **Example:** Making that comment in the meeting was like shooting yourself in the foot.

**106. Off to the races**
– **Meaning:** Starting a new endeavor energetically.
– **Origin:** From horse racing, where horses burst out of the starting gate.
– **Example:** With the new product launch, our marketing team is off to the races.

**107. Cover all the bases**
– **Meaning:** To address all aspects or possibilities.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where runners must touch all the bases to score a run.
– **Example:** In our presentation, we need to cover all the bases to ensure clarity.

**108. Face the music**
– **Meaning:** To confront the consequences of one’s actions.
– **Origin:** Uncertain, but possibly from theater or military traditions.
– **Example:** He had been avoiding the issue for too long; now it’s time to face the music.

**109. Call the shots**
– **Meaning:** To make decisions or be in control.
– **Origin:** From sports like billiards, where a player who “calls the shots” decides the order of play.
– **Example:** As the project manager, you get to call the shots and determine the strategy.

**110. Out of left field**
– **Meaning:** Unexpected or coming from an unusual source.
– **Origin:** In baseball, the left field is far from the typical areas of action, so unexpected events happening “out of left field” are surprising.
– **Example:** His sudden resignation came out of left field; we had no idea he was unhappy.

**111. Run interference**
– **Meaning:** To intervene or obstruct to help someone.
– **Origin:** From American football, where a player might “run interference” to block defenders.
– **Example:** She ran interference with the client to resolve the issue smoothly.

**112. Back to square one**
– **Meaning:** To return to the starting point or original problem.
– **Origin:** Uncertain, but possibly from early radio broadcasts of football matches that used numbered squares to explain plays.
– **Example:** After the failed negotiation, we’re back to square one in our search for a solution.

**113. Go to bat for someone**
– **Meaning:** To support or defend someone.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where a batter goes to bat for their team.
– **Example:** I’ll go to bat for you during the meeting and explain your perspective.

**114. Jump through hoops**
– **Meaning:** To go through a series of challenging or unnecessary steps.
– **Origin:** From circus acts where animals jump through hoops to perform tricks.
– **Example:** The bureaucracy required us to jump through hoops to get the necessary permits.

**115. In the red zone**
– **Meaning:** In a critical or dangerous situation.
– **Origin:** From American football, where the “red zone” is the area close to the opponent’s end zone where scoring is more challenging.
– **Example:** Our financial situation is in the red zone; we need to make changes to avoid trouble.

**116. Keep on the straight and narrow**
– **Meaning:** To stay on the right path and avoid trouble.
– **Origin:** From sports involving narrow tracks, where deviating from the straight path can lead to disqualification.
– **Example:** He’s had some challenges in the past, but now he’s keeping on the straight and narrow.

**117. Run the gauntlet**
– **Meaning:** To face a series of challenges or obstacles.
– **Origin:** From a medieval punishment where a person had to run between two rows of people who would strike them.
– **Example:** Starting a new job can feel like running the gauntlet of meeting new colleagues and learning new processes.

**118. Hit a home run**
– **Meaning:** To achieve a significant success or accomplishment.
– **Origin:** From baseball, where hitting a home run is the most valuable play.
– **Example:** The product launch was a hit; it was a real home run for the company.

**119. Keep one’s eye on the prize**
– **Meaning:** Stay focused on the ultimate goal or reward.
– **Origin:** Encouragement for athletes to stay concentrated on the prize they seek.
– **Example:** It’s essential to keep our eyes on the prize if we want to succeed in this competitive market.

**120. In the home stretch**
– **Meaning:** In the final stage or part of a task or race.
– **Origin:** From horse racing, where the final stretch of the track leads to the finish line.
– **Example:** We’re in the home stretch of the project, so let’s give it one final push to completion.