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A hole in one
A hole in one is a golf term for getting the golf ball into the final hole with only one hit, but as an idiom it means to succeed on the first try.She showed her first design to the client and they loved it! A hole in one!
Across the board
The phrase across the board means applying to everyone or everything equally no matter the situation. No one is treated differently. It is often used for rules, prices, or changes.The term originates from American horse racing, where betting "across the board" meant placing bets on the same horse to finish first (win), second (place), or third (show) on the betting board.
Prices were reduced across the board.
Against all odds
The phrase against all odds means succeeding despite very low chances, a term originating from chances in betting. It highlights determination, luck, or both. People use it to describe surprising success.Against all odds, the injured runner finished the race.
Ahead of the game
The idiom ahead of the game means being well prepared or more advanced than others. It suggests planning and smart thinking. This idiom likely stems from sports gambling, where you gained an advantage if you were already ahead.By studying early, she stayed ahead of the game.
Back to square one
The phrase back to square one means returning to the beginning after a plan or attempt has failed. It suggests that progress has been lost and everything must start again. It is a reference to board games where you can be made to go back to the first square. People often use this idiom when a solution does not work as expected.When the computer crashed, they were back to square one.
Close but no cigar
Close, but no cigar originated from carnivals where a cigar was the prize for winning a game of skill. If you lost, they would say "close, but no cigar!" and it grew to be a phrase that meant coming very close to something, but not quite reaching the goal.She got 99/100 on the test. Close, but no cigar!
Cover all the bases
To cover all bases means making sure every important detail has been considered so nothing is missed.The phrase comes from baseball. Fielders protect each base so a runner cannot advance safely.
Before launching the product, the team checked the plan again to cover all bases.
Different ball game
The idiom it's a different ball game or it's a whole new ball game means that something is quite different from what was previously expected. It compares to sports, where two ball games may have entirely different rules.Your last job was in a small business, here at this international company it is a whole new ball game.
Down for the count
The phrase down for the count means unable to continue, usually because you are exhausted or defeated.It comes from boxing, where a knocked-down boxer is counted out. People also use it for being very tired or sick.
After the long day, I was down for the count.
Drop the ball
The phrase drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something important. It often suggests carelessness or forgetting.The saying comes from sports, where dropping the ball can cost the game.
I dropped the ball and forgot to call.