English idioms about competitions and games

A lot of everyday English comes from the world of competition. When people talk about a tough challenge, a big decision, or a major change, there's a good chance they'll use an idiom that started in a boxing ring or on a tennis court. Here are five you'll hear all the time.

Throw in the towel

To "throw in the towel" means to give up after trying hard. It comes from boxing, where a fighter's team throws a towel into the ring to stop the fight.

If you speak German, you already know this one, because das Handtuch werfen means the same thing.

• I was ready to throw in the towel after failing the exam a second time.
• He almost threw in the towel, but his boss helped him finish the project.
• Don't throw in the towel yet. We still have two weeks.

The ball is in your court

"The ball is in your court" means it's your turn to decide or do something. It comes from tennis, where the ball goes back and forth between the players.

• I've had the interview, so now the ball is in their court.
• I've done everything I can. The ball's in your court now.
• We sent the client our offer on Monday, so the ball is in their court.

Game-changer

A "game-changer" is something that completely changes how things work or how a situation turns out. People use it a lot about new ideas, products, and technology.

• Working from home was a game-changer for me.
• This new app is a total game-changer for small businesses.
• Honestly, getting a dishwasher was a game-changer.

Because people use it so much, it can sound a bit like marketing talk. It works best when something really did make a big difference.

Hit below the belt

To "hit below the belt" means to say or do something unfair or hurtful, usually on purpose. It also comes from boxing, where punching below the belt is against the rules. In everyday speech, you'll often hear the shorter "That was below the belt."

• Bringing up his divorce in the meeting really hit below the belt.
• Okay, that comment was below the belt.
• She knew it would hurt him, so mentioning his weight was a low blow.

That last one, "a low blow," means the same thing and comes from the same boxing rule.

Keep your eye on the ball

"Keep your eye on the ball" means to stay focused on what matters, especially when there are lots of distractions. In sports like tennis, cricket, and baseball, you have to watch the ball closely the whole time or you'll miss it.

• There's a lot going on right now, but keep your eye on the ball.
• He kept his eye on the ball and finished the project on time.
• If we want this launch to go well, we all need to keep our eye on the ball.

To get a better grasp of these idioms, check out our Daily Dose of Denglisch Docs series.