Sport and game

Lesson 4

Throw in the towel

Title: Throw in the towel

Meaning: to give up a struggle

Example

After hours of struggling with the complex math problem, Jane decided to throw in the towel

Step up your game

Title: Step up your game

Meaning: to improve the performance, quality, skill, or talents

Example

Matthew said to Sarah, "Step up your game," to which she replied, "I already have by memorizing every act in Shakespeare's The Tempest this week

A whole new ball game

Title: A whole new ball game

Meaning: a significant change in circumstances

Example

For most young adults, moving out is a whole new ball game

Down for the count

Title: Down for the count

Meaning: doomed, finished, or defeated

Example

I doubt she'll leave the hospital. Her illness has her down for the count

Nail biter

Title: Nail biter

Meaning: a situation like a close contest, which induces anxiety or tension

Example

Friday's nail-biter of a win over the Houston Texans was an excruciating contest

Spare someone’s blushes

Title: Spare someone’s blushes

Meaning: to stop someone from feeling awkward or embarrassed

Example

My teacher spoke up to spare the blushes of the new student

rain check

Title: rain check

Meaning: declining an offer that might be taken up later

Example

He said he would take a rain check on visiting us today

play cat and mouse

Title: play cat and mouse

Meaning: to play with or tease someone

Example

The cops do not like playing cat and mouse games with the culprits before catching them

Throw in the towel

Title: Throw in the towel

Meaning: to give up a struggle

Example

After hours of struggling with the complex math problem, Jane decided to throw in the towel

bring to the table

Title: bring to the table

Meaning: making a valuable contribution to a group, company, or individual

Example

I wish to bring to the table the issue of the current tax regime and how it affects our businesses

one on one

Title: one on one

Meaning: describing an instance of direct interaction, conflict, or correspondence between two parties

Example

We had a one-on-one meeting to discuss the details of the project

Ducks and drakes

Title: Ducks and drakes

Meaning: to carelessly misuse one's wealth

Example

He lost his job for playing ducks and drakes with the funds of a corporation

when the chips are down

Title: when the chips are down

Meaning: when a situation is urgent or desperate

Example

When the chips are down, you know who your real friends are

Step up your game

Title: Step up your game

Meaning: to improve the performance, quality, skill, or talents

Example

Matthew said to Sarah, "Step up your game," to which she replied, "I already have by memorizing every act in Shakespeare's The Tempest this week

A whole new ball game

Title: A whole new ball game

Meaning: a significant change in circumstances

Example

For most young adults, moving out is a whole new ball game