Drop the ball

verb

To make a mistake, or fail in an important way.

You really dropped the ball when you forgot about the meeting.
Visual representation of "drop the ball" - To make a mistake, or fail in an important way.

Often appears as...

  • don't drop the ball
  • he dropped the ball

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

verb

To fail to take care of or pay attention to.

He was given one job, and he dropped the ball.
Visual representation of "drop the ball" - To fail to take care of or pay attention to.

Often appears as...

  • drop the ball on this
  • drop the ball on that

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

verb

To make a mistake, or fail in an important way.

You really dropped the ball when you forgot about the meeting.
Visual representation of "drop the ball" - To make a mistake, or fail in an important way.

Often appears as...

  • don't drop the ball
  • he dropped the ball

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

verb

To fail to take care of or pay attention to.

He was given one job, and he dropped the ball.
Visual representation of "drop the ball" - To fail to take care of or pay attention to.

Often appears as...

  • drop the ball on this
  • drop the ball on that

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "drop the ball"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Expectation Failure

Used when someone fails to meet what is expected of them.

Illustration for Expectation Failure
In the championship game, the goalkeeper dropped the ball.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Task Responsibility

Refers to missing a personal responsibility or specific task.

Illustration for Task Responsibility
As team leader, you can't afford to drop the ball on this project.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Sports Origin

Originates from when a player accidentally drops a ball in sports, leading to a mistake.

Illustration for Sports Origin
He was a great player, but he dropped the ball during the final inning.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Expectation Failure

Used when someone fails to meet what is expected of them.

Illustration for Expectation Failure
In the championship game, the goalkeeper dropped the ball.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Task Responsibility

Refers to missing a personal responsibility or specific task.

Illustration for Task Responsibility
As team leader, you can't afford to drop the ball on this project.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Sports Origin

Originates from when a player accidentally drops a ball in sports, leading to a mistake.

Illustration for Sports Origin
He was a great player, but he dropped the ball during the final inning.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Expectation Failure

Used when someone fails to meet what is expected of them.

Illustration for Expectation Failure
In the championship game, the goalkeeper dropped the ball.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Task Responsibility

Refers to missing a personal responsibility or specific task.

Illustration for Task Responsibility
As team leader, you can't afford to drop the ball on this project.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Sports Origin

Originates from when a player accidentally drops a ball in sports, leading to a mistake.

Illustration for Sports Origin
He was a great player, but he dropped the ball during the final inning.
Visual representation of the word "Drop the ball"

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