IDIOM ►
Meaning 1 ►▼
Hitting the ball along the side of something to score a point.
Original derivation from pool where a ball is shot indirectly into the pocket by hitting it along the side wall or "bank."
In basketball: an indirect shot into the basket using the backboard.
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 approach to solving a problem, or completing a task.
Sentence 2
After failing to convince the potential business partner to accept the deal at the meeting, Ashley landed a bank shot by talking to the representative privately afterwards and convincing them to accept.
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.