More Football-Related Idioms
Get the ball rolling with these phrases from the world's most popular sport
Key words
- Relegate: to move a sports team to a lower division as a result of poor performance
The team knew the score—if they didn’t win their next three matches, they’d be relegated from the league.
- Impact: a strong effect or influence on something
The invention of the smartphone was a game changer for communication, having a huge impact on daily life.
- Strategy: a detailed plan for achieving success in different situations
The coach’s game plan involved a defensive strategy in the first half and counterattacks in the second.
- Initiate: to begin or start something
Sarah got the ball rolling on the fundraising campaign by initiating the first donation.
- Observe: to watch something carefully, especially to learn from it
After suffering an injury, Alex had to watch from the sidelines and observe his teammates play.
Comprehension Questions
- What does the idiom "know the score" mean, and how is it used in a real-world situation?
- How was Cristiano Ronaldo described as a "game changer" in football? Can you think of another player who was a game changer for their team?
- In the article, how did Sarah "get the ball rolling" in the fundraising campaign? What does this phrase mean?
- Why might someone have to "watch from the sidelines" in both a football match and a workplace setting?
Football, also known as the beautiful game, is the world’s most popular sport. It is also a source of some very useful phrases to use in everyday conversations to describe various situations, from business strategies to personal growth. Here are 5 football-related idioms to make your English more expressive.
Get the Ball Rolling
Meaning: Begin an activity, or make something happen.
Real-world example: Sarah got the ball rolling on the fundraising campaign by making the first donation and encouraging others to contribute.
Football example: The captain got the ball rolling by scoring an early goal, setting the tone for a dominant performance.
Know the Score
Meaning: Be aware of all the important facts in a situation, especially the unpleasant ones.
Real-world example: After years in the corporate world, Lisa knows the score—promotions often go to those who network well, not just those who work the hardest.
Football example: The team knows the score—if they don’t win their next three matches, they’ll be relegated from the league.
Game Changer
Meaning: A new event, idea, or element that changes an existing situation in a big way.
Real-world example: The invention of the smartphone was a game changer for communication, allowing people to stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Football example: The signing of Cristiano Ronaldo was a game changer for Manchester United, boosting their attack and bringing new energy to the squad.
Game Plan
Meaning: A plan for achieving success.
Real-world example: The marketing team developed a game plan to launch the new product with maximum impact, using social media and influencer partnerships.
Football example: The coach’s game plan was to defend deep in the first half and hit the opposition on the counterattack in the second.
Be on / Watch from the Sidelines
Meaning: To not be actively involved in something.
Real-world example: Tom didn’t want to just watch from the sidelines while his company made bad decisions, so he spoke up in the meeting.
Football example: After suffering an injury, Alex had to watch from the sidelines for months before he was fit to play again.
Sports idioms add energy and clarity to language, helping people describe challenges, strategies, and big changes in life. Whether discussing business, personal experiences, or football itself, these expressions capture the excitement and unpredictability of the game—and of life.
Practice your English with football fans from around the world!
Discussion questions
- Do you have any questions about any of the vocabulary or grammar in this article?
- Can you think of a time in your life when you "knew the score" about a situation? How did it affect your actions?
- What is a "game changer" that has had a big impact on your country, community, or personal life?
- Describe a situation where you had to "get the ball rolling" on a project or activity. How did you start, and what was the result?
- Do you prefer to take action or "watch from the sidelines" in group activities or decisions? Why?
This article was written by Eddy
Improve your English communication skills by practicing with Eddy, a qualified and experienced native speaker.
