drop the ball

Idioms and Phrases

Make an error; miss an opportunity. For example, She really dropped the ball when she forgot to call back , or He dropped the ball, turning down their offer . This expression comes from sports where a player who fails to catch a ball is charged with an error. Its use for more general kinds of mistakes dates from about 1950.

Example Sentences

A former Democrat who was born and raised in Minnesota, Corcoran said she believed her former party had dropped the ball on the economy and immigration.

From Los Angeles Times

Kinchens casually dropped the ball just before — or maybe just as — he crossed the goal line.

From Los Angeles Times

Did Norris and McLaren drop the ball with their pit stop?

From BBC

After all that dazzle, Kelter then gifted England a third try, dropping the ball for flanker Brock to pounce for a first Test try, which was followed by a sharp finish from Matthews.

From BBC

“When things aren’t working, he takes it upon himself. He blames himself, regardless if it’s a blown offensive line scheme, or our receiver dropping the ball, he’s the one that’s taking the blame.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• err
• misconstrue
• misinterpret
• misjudge
• misread
• misunderstand
• overestimate
• overrate
• overvalue
• underestimate
• undervalue