Pool / Bowling Idioms

Pool, also known as pocket billiards, is played on a retangular table with six pockets into which balls are driven (shot). There are fifteen colored balls, numbered one to fifteen, and a white cue ball. The cue ball is driven with the cue stick against one or more of the other balls knocking them into the pockets for a score. If the cue ball falls into the pocket, the player loses his turn and is penalized.

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Bowling refers to a series of sports or leisure activities in which a player rolls or throws a bowling ball. In indoor bowling, the target is usually to knock over pins. In outdoor variations, the aim is usually to get the ball as close to a target ball as possible.

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IDIOM ►

behind the eight ball

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.

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bPool / Bowling
IDIOM ►

call the shots

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.
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Pool / Bowling
IDIOM ►

to bowl someone, something over

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.
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bPool / Bowling