With sport being the main topic of conversation at the moment, I thought it would be a good idea to look at some sporting idioms and their meanings.

Idiom / Saying	Explanation
A ballpark figure (actually a baseball term, but widely used in business in the UK too) For example:- I don't need an exact quotation, just give me a ballpark figure.	Rough estimate.
To get the ball rolling. For example:- If we don't get the ball rolling on this project soon we won't be able to deliver on time.	To get something started.
To keep your eye on the ball. For example:- You'll need to keep your eye on the ball on this project, the technology available is moving so quickly.	To remain alert.
To be on the ball For example:- You need to be on the ball with this customer, he's very clever.	To be quick to understand and react to things.
To play ball For example:- We'll all achieve much more if we just play ball.	To agree to do what someone asks you to do, in the way someone else wants you to do it.
A whole new ball game For example:- I'd done a lot of kayaking in the UK, but the rivers in the French Alps were a whole new ball game.	A completely different situation, often one which is difficult or which you know little about.
The ball's in someone's court For example:- Well I gave them all the information I could, and now the ball's in their court.	To have to do something before any progress can be made in a situation.
A balls up. For example:- He forgot his visuals, so the presentation was a complete balls up.	A bad mistake or shoddy job.
To beat (someone) to the punch (boxing) For example:- We have to get this new product out before our rivals beat us to the punch.	To make the first decisive move in a situation.
To get the boot For example:- They gave him the boot after he failed in his last project.	To be fired or let go from an organization.
It's not cricket For example:- It's not cricket to steal someone's web site.	If someone's behaviour or actions are not cricket, they are not honourable or moral.
To give it your best shot For example:- Whether you pass or fail in the test at least you'll know you gave it your best shot.	To put forth your best effort.
To have get-up-and-go. For example:- I can't play football any more. My get up and go has got up and gone.	To have a high personal energy level.
To go the distance (boxing) For example:- No matter what you say about him, he really went the distance on his last project. No one could have done more.	To carry through a course of action to completion.
To hit below the belt (boxing) For example:- They hit the workers below the belt when they closed the factory gates without any warning.	To act unfairly or unscrupulously. Lit: An illegal move in boxing
The rub of the green. For example:- France had the rub of the green when the referee didn't spot that handball.	To be lucky especially in a sport or pastime played on a green surface.
To jockey yourself into position. (Horseracing) For example:- He got the promotion after jockeying himself into position.	To put yourself into a good position to win something.
To kick something around. For example:- Let's just kick a few ideas around and see what we come up with.	To pass an idea from person to person. Lit: Passing the ball.