IDIOM ►
Meaning 1 ►▼
Banking the ball off the side of the table into the pocket for a score.
Original derivation from pool where a ball is shot indirectly into the pocket by banking it into the side wall or "bank."
Also, in basketball, an indirect basket, by using the backboard for the shot into the basket.
Sentence 1
Minnesota Fats sank the ball in the corner pocket, banking it off the side rail.
LeBron James banked the basketball off the backboard into the net.
Meaning 2 ►▼
An indirect shot by using the backboard to score two points.
Sentence 2
The effect of Trump/s tax cuts are not directly effecting the economy; indirectly it may help. (You feed the horses hay to indirectly feed the birds.)
IDIOM ►
Meaning 1 ►▼
The player must knock all numbered balls from one to seven into the pocket before the eighth ball.
Sentence 1
The six ball was behind the eight ball and it was a difficult shot.
Meaning 2 ►▼
to be in a difficult or awkward situation
Sentence 2
I was behind the eight ball when the boss found out I didn't know any foreign languages.
Derivation
It is very difficult to make a shot with a ball, if that ball is directly behind the eight ball.
IDIOM ►
Meaning 1 ►▼
In pool a player says where he or she is going to hit the ball.
Sentence 1
She called the shot. I am going to put the eight ball in the corner pocket.
Meaning 2 ►▼
to tell someone what one to do
Sentence 2
I am going to call the shots on this deal.
IDIOM ►
Meaning 1 ►▼
The goal in bowling is to knock over as many pins as possible.
Sentence 1
She bowled a strike. She knocked over all 10 pins with the bowling ball.
Meaning 2 ►▼
to make a very good impression on someone
Sentence 2
She was bowled over when I gave her a dozen roses.