As the Olympics bring the world together to celebrate athletic prowess and national pride, it’s the perfect time to dive into some sports idioms that add flair to our conversations about the Games. Whether you’re a seasoned sports fan or new to the Olympic spirit, these idioms will help you discuss the events like a pro.

The Greatest Show on Earth

The Olympics is where athletes from around the globe try their best to make their dreams come true. It’s a level playing field (1) where the competition is fierce, and everyone aims to hit it out of the park (2).

In the heat of the moment, every athlete knows that the ball is in their court (3), and it’s their chance to leave it all on the field (4). Whether they’re in the swim of things (5), racing against the clock (6), or facing hurdles (7), each participant knows they need to keep their eye on the ball (8) and stay ahead of the game (9).

The Olympics is a true testament to the spirit of competition, where every athlete strives to come out swinging (10).

1. A level playing field – a situation in which everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, without any unfair advantages or disadvantages (origin: field sports like rugby or soccer)
2. To hit it out of the park – to achieve something exceptionally well or to perform extraordinarily (origin: baseball)
3. The ball is in one’s court – it is now one’s turn to take action or make a decision in a situation (origin: tennis)
4. To leave it all on the field – to put forth maximum effort to achieve your goal (origin: team sports like football, rugby or soccer)
5. In the swim of things (= in the thick of things) – actively engaged in events (origin: swimming)
6. To race against the clock – to try to accomplish something within a limited amount of time (origin: sports or other timed events)
7. To face hurdles – to encounter or deal with obstacles or challenges (origin: track and field)
8. To keep one’s eye on the ball – to stay focused on the task at hand or to remain attentive to what is important (origin: sports like baseball and cricket, where tracking the ball is crucial for success)
9. To stay ahead of the game – to remain in a position of advantage or to maintain a lead over competitors or challenges (origin: competitive sports and games)
10. To come out swinging – to start something with a lot of energy, determination, or aggression (origin: boxing)

Practice

Exercise 1. Click the link here and choose the right idiom for each definition.

Exercise 2. Click the link here and complete the sentences with the right words.

Exercise 3. Complete the text below with the right words.

Striving For Success

In the Olympics, a level 1. ___ field ensures all athletes have an equal chance to excel. As the Games approach, competitors aim to 2. ___ it out of the park with their performances. Once they step onto the field, the 3. ___ is in their court to make crucial decisions.

Athletes must 4. ___ it all on the field, giving maximum effort, and stay 5. ___ the swim of things by immersing themselves in their training and events. With the clock ticking, they’re 6. ___ against the clock to prepare.

They also need to face 7. ___, overcome obstacles, and 8. ___ their eye on the ball to stay focused. By staying ahead of the 9. ___ and coming 10. ___ swinging with determination, they strive for success on the world stage.

Answer key 🔑

1. playing
2. hit
3. ball
4. leave
5. in
6. racing
7. hurdles
8. keep
9. game
10. out

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