English Explanatory Dictionary

take one's ball and go home

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To cease participating in an activity that has turned to one's disadvantage, especially out of spite, or in a way that prevents others from participating as well.

Word forms

take one's ball and go home takes one's ball and goes home taking one's ball and going home took one's ball and went home taken one's ball and gone home take one's bat and ball and go home take one's football and go home

Etymology

From the image of a group of children playing a sport with a ball that is the exclusive property of one of the participants.

Related words

dog in the manger
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