Baseball is one of the most popular sports in America, and it has made its way into the English language in the form of idiomatic expressions. These idioms are used to convey specific meanings, often related to the game of baseball. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most commonly used baseball idioms.
Table of Contents
1. Out of left field
This expression is used to describe something unexpected or surprising. It comes from the fact that left field is usually the farthest position from home plate, so anything that comes from that direction is unexpected.
Example: “Her response to my question came out of left field, and I was surprised by what she said.”
2. Throw a curveball
A curveball is a type of pitch in baseball that is difficult to hit because of its unexpected trajectory. The idiom “throw a curveball” means to do something unexpected or deceptive.
Example: “The news about the company’s layoffs threw a curveball at everyone, and no one saw it coming.”
3. Touch base
In baseball, players must touch each base in order to score a run. The idiom “touch base” means to make contact or communicate with someone.
Example: “I need to touch base with my boss before making any decisions about the project.”
4. Hit it out of the park
In baseball, hitting the ball out of the park means hitting a home run, which is the most desirable outcome for a batter. The idiom “hit it out of the park” means to achieve great success.
Example: “The marketing campaign was a huge success, and we really hit it out of the park.”
5. Three strikes and you’re out
In baseball, batters are given three strikes before they are considered “out.” The idiom “three strikes and you’re out” means that someone has exhausted their chances and will not be given any more opportunities.
Example: “I’ve already asked my boss twice for a raise, and I know that three strikes and you’re out, so I’m not going to ask again.”
6. Throw in the towel
In boxing, throwing in the towel is a sign of surrender, indicating that a fighter has given up. The idiom “throw in the towel” means to give up or quit.
Example: “After weeks of trying to fix the broken dishwasher, I finally threw in the towel and bought a new one.”
Conclusion
Baseball idioms have become a part of the English language, and they are used in everyday conversations to convey specific meanings. By understanding these idioms and their origins, you can improve your understanding of English and communicate more effectively. So, the next time someone uses one of these idioms, you’ll know exactly what they mean!
English Vocabulary | common animal idioms | idioms about cats | business idioms workplace | idioms allowed in ielts | idiomatic expressions with meaning | examples of idiomatic expressions |
- teset schema - June 23, 2023
- best project management for software development certificate program - May 10, 2023
- Best Project Management Software for Designers - May 10, 2023