Baseball is the most popular sport in America and there are a number of idioms that originate from it.
In a baseball game, two teams of nine players each take turns playing offense and defense. The game begins when the pitcher throws the ball to the opposing team's batter, who attempts to hit the ball with his bat, then runs around the field in a counterclockwise direction.
If they hit the ball, they try to run to first base before the opponent can catch the ball and throw it there. They can then run to second base, then third base, and finally home plate to score a run.
Failure to hit the ball three times is called a "strikeout" and the batter is out.
The game is divided into nine innings, and each team takes turns playing offense and defense. The team with the most points at the end of the ninth inning wins.
Duke University baseball players during a game against the University of Virginia on April 29. Photo: Goduke
Here are some related idioms and their meanings:
Touching base means to make contact with someone. In baseball, "touching base" means touching first, second, or third base while running around the field.
For example: Let's touch base next week to discuss our project.
Covering all the bases means taking all the necessary steps to prepare for anything that might happen. In baseball, "covering all the bases" means making sure all the players are in the right positions to defend.
For example: Before launching the app, we need to make sure we cover all the bases and address possible problems.
To hit a home run means to achieve a great success or accomplish an important goal. In baseball, “hitting a home run” is one of the greatest achievements a player can achieve. So when someone says they “hit a home run” they mean they have achieved a great success.
For example: After months of hard work, our marketing team hit a home run with the latest ad campaign and significantly boosted our sales.
Out of the ballpark or Hit it out of the ballpark is used when we achieve something better than expected.
For example: My new app attracted thousands of users in the first week. It was out of the ballpark.
After studying hard for the exam, she hit it out of the ballpark with a perfect score.
A whole new ballgame refers to a situation that is new and has significant changes.
Example: Moving to a new city after graduating from college felt like a whole new ballgame to me.
Three strikes and you're out is used when someone has used up all their chances. In baseball, if a player fails to hit the ball three times, they are out.
For example: Try not to make more than 2 mistakes in a row. Remember three strikes and you're out.
Stepping up to the plate means taking on a challenge or greater responsibility. In baseball, when a player steps up to the plate, they are faced with hitting the ball.
For example: It's time to step up to the plate and take on more responsibility in your job.
To throw a curveball means to do something that is surprising or difficult for someone. In baseball, a curveball is a ball that is very difficult to hit because it can change direction unexpectedly.
Example: An unexpected change in the project threw a curveball to our plan, which we had to adjust quickly.
Dr. Linh Phung (Director of English program for international students, Chatham University, USA)
Source link
Comment (0)