In the fast-paced business world, language reflects the competitive nature of sports. Like athletes have their sayings, professionals use sports-related idioms to communicate effectively in the corporate world. By using these phrases, people can enhance their communication skills. Let's discover nine sports idioms commonly used in business.
1. Ballpark figure:
When giving an estimate for a number, professionals often use the term "ballpark figure." Just like in baseball where being in the right ballpark is good enough, this idiom emphasises providing a rough estimate rather than an exact figure.
Examples:
Before we dive into the detailed proposal, can you give me a ballpark figure for the project's total cost?
The contractor provided a ballpark figure of $15,000 to $20,000 for the renovation
What's the ballpark figure for the new software?
2. Drop the ball:
Originating from sports like basketball or football where a dropped ball means a missed opportunity, in business, "to drop the ball" means to make an error or fail to complete a task successfully.
Examples:
This is a huge opportunity, please don't drop the ball on this one.
We missed the deadline because the team dropped the ball on the final review.
We can’t afford to drop the ball on customer service during this busy season.
3. On the same team:
This idiom refers to people who have a shared goal or vision. It shows that individuals are working towards a common objective despite potential differences.
Examples:
We may have different departments, but we’re all on the same team when it comes to delivering results.
During the project, it became clear that despite the challenges, everyone was on the same team.
Let's act like we’re on the same team and find a solution.
4. Jump through hoops:
In the workplace, "jumping through hoops" describes overcoming obstacles or completing challenging tasks to achieve a goal.
Examples:
We had to jump through hoops to get the approval.
He’s jumping through hoops to get the project on track.
Getting this permit requires jumping through a lot of hoops.
5. Out of left field:
In sports, surprises often come from unexpected directions, and in business, when something is described as "out of left field," it means it was unexpected or came out of nowhere.
Examples:
Her suggestion came out of left field, but it was brilliant.
The sudden change in strategy was out of left field.
The new policy was totally out of left field.
6. Level the playing field:
A level playing field ensures fairness, in business, this idiom represents a situation in which everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
Examples:
We need to ensure a level playing field for all job applicants.
The reforms will help establish a level playing field in the market.
A level playing field is essential for fair outcomes.
7. Play hardball:
Inspired by baseball where hardball is a more aggressive form of the game, playing hardball in business implies taking a tough or aggressive approach to negotiations or decision-making.
Examples:
If management doesn’t cooperate, the union will play hardball.
The CEO decided to play hardball in the negotiations.
Both companies played hardball during the merger talks.
8. Touch base:
With its roots in baseball, "touching base" means to make contact or catch up with someone to keep each other informed or in sync regarding something.
Examples:
Let’s touch base next week to review the project’s progress.
I’ll touch base with you once I have the final report.
Let’s touch base before the presentation to align our strategies.
9. Kick off
A game starts at "kick off". In business or general contexts, "kick off" means to start or begin something, such as an event, project, or activity.
Examples:
The team will kick off the new initiative with a launch event next Monday.
The conference will kick off with a keynote address from the CEO.
We’re excited to host the kick-off meeting next week.
These sports idioms can also be used in everyday conservations and can add a something interesting to your everyday and business conversations. They help us to be less direct and relate more with native speakers.
Practice Exercise: Sports Idioms in Business
Instructions: For each sentence, fill in the blank with the appropriate sports idiom from the list provided. Use the following idioms:
Ballpark figure
Drop the ball
On the same team
Jump through hoops
Out of left field
Level playing field
Play hardball
Touch base
Kick off
Sentences:
The marketing team will __________ with a big event next week to introduce their new product.
Before we can proceed with the deal, we need a __________ for the estimated costs of the new office renovations.
Despite our different roles in the company, we need to remember that we’re all __________ when it comes to achieving our quarterly goals.
The new policy on remote work came __________, catching everyone by surprise.
To get this project approved, we have to __________ with numerous regulatory requirements.
It’s crucial that we maintain a __________ to ensure that all competitors have an equal chance in the bidding process.
During the contract negotiations, the legal team decided to __________ to secure the most favourable terms for the company.
We need to __________ with the vendor to finalise the details of the new supply agreement.
After finalising the project plan, let's __________ next week to discuss any adjustments needed.
The project missed its launch date because we __________ and failed to complete the final review on time.
Answers:
Kick off (meaning to start or begin something, making it suitable for the context of launching an event or initiative)
Ballpark figure (Refers to an approximate estimate, fitting for a rough cost estimation.)
On the same team (Implies working towards a common goal, regardless of different roles or departments.)
Out of left field (Meaning: something unexpected or surprising, which fits the context of an unforeseen policy change.)
Jump through hoops (Meaning: to face many obstacles or complete numerous tasks, relevant for overcoming bureaucratic challenges.)
Level playing field (Ensures fairness, appropriate for describing equal opportunities in competitive scenarios.)
Play hardball (Indicates taking a tough or aggressive approach, suitable for negotiating terms.)
Touch base (Meaning: to make contact or check in, fitting for finalising details with someone.)
Touch base (Meaning: to catch up or review, making it suitable for discussing adjustments after finalising a plan.)
Drop the ball (Meaning to make an error or fail to complete a task, relevant for missing a project deadline.
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