The A to Z English Podcast

Idiom Academy | Drop the ball and Fall off

Jul 26, 2024

07:48

Here are the meanings of the phrases "drop the ball" and "fall off":

Drop the Ball

"Drop the ball" is an idiom that means to make a mistake or fail to meet an obligation or responsibility. It suggests that someone has let something important slip through the cracks, leading to a failure or mishap. The phrase likely originates from sports, where dropping the ball can lead to a loss of possession or a missed opportunity.

Example:

"I really dropped the ball on that project. I forgot to submit the report on time."

Fall Off

"Fall off" can have a few different meanings depending on the context:

Literal Meaning: To physically fall from a higher place to a lower place.

Example: "Be careful on the ladder so you don't fall off."

Decrease or Decline: To experience a reduction in amount, quality, or intensity.

Example: "Sales have fallen off since the holiday season."

Lose Focus or Consistency: To stop maintaining a certain level of performance, attention, or engagement.

Example: "He was doing well in his studies, but his grades fell off after he started working part-time."

Both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation and writing, and their meanings can often be inferred from the context in which they are used.

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