Idioms for August

During August vacation many people use their free time to play a lot of sports. There are many interesting and fun idioms which are inspired by sports. Let’s look at some:

1. “Go overboard”

Meaning:
This idiom originates with sailing, where performing an action too aggressively would result in you falling off the boat into the water. It is used to suggest someone is overcommitting in their behaviour.

Example:
“Jonny really went overboard with his karate practice. He’s covered in bruises.”

2. “Go to bat for....”

Meaning:
This means that you will choose to support a person, usually in an argument or to help them out with a problem. It originates with Baseball where a team has a nominated batsperson who must strike the ball to help the team win points.

Example:
“Tim has been having an argument with Jon. I’ll go to bat for him though as he’s a really nice guy!”

3.“Have the upper hand”

Meaning:
To be in an advantageous position during an activity. It originates with playing cards as your selection of cards is known as your ‘hand’ and to have the ‘upper’ hand means yours is tactically the best.

Example:
“When it came to the English test, Miriam really had the upper hand.”

4. “Hit below the belt”

Meaning:
To do or say something that is excessively cruel or hurtful to someone. It originates with Martial Arts, where a strike to the groin is often seen as overly violent and not required.

Example:
“When she said that my hairstyle was terrible. She really hit below the belt.”

5. “Give (something or someone) a fair shake”

Meaning:
To try something for a while before giving up. It originates with dice games.

Example:
“You should give George a fair shake before deciding to fire him”