drop the ball

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To fail in one's responsibilities or duties, or to make a mistake, especially at a critical point or when the result is very negative.
  2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see drop, ball.

Pronunciation

en-au-drop the ball.ogg

Word forms

drop the ball drops the ball dropping the ball dropped the ball

Etymology

An allusion to the rules of such games as baseball, American football or cricket wherein literally dropping the ball would be a mistake.

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