Uncategorized Idioms

the sails are expanded; full of wind

Full sails ahead!

to be highly energetic.

They went into the project enthusiastically with full sails.

1) a home run in baseball with the bases loaded (on all bases); 4 runs scored. 2) in tennis: the player wins all four tennis opens: the French, Wimbledon, Australian and the U.S. 3) in the card game, bridge, when a player takes all 13 tricks.

Rafael Nadal won 14 and lost 6 grand slam tournaments.

A super win

The Republicans scored a home run in the 1952 election when Eisenhower ran for President. The Republicans won both the Senate and the House.

the ball has been hit in the ballpark

The batter has a triple; it is still in the ball park. He hit it out of the park yesterday. He had a home run.

"In the ballpark" is a common idiom used in business or politics, usually in negotiations. If a number is in the ball park, it could be considered worth negotiating. It is not a final agreement. If it is "out of the park, " it probably is not worth agonizing over to achieve a settlement.

One million dollars is worth talking about. It is in the ballpark.

From baseball: There are 9 innings in a game, unless the game is tied, when it goes into overtime until the tie is broken.

It's the last inning and the Phillies are up to bat against the Braves. The game is tied 3 to 3. It may go into overtime unless the Phillies or the Braves get a run in the 9th.

"The game" of an election, is almost over; the last inning of an election could be the last few weeks before voters vote.

Let's get this act together. It's the last inning: we are down 3% and need to win those 5 Senators to take control.

a coach's book of strategies for a game or season.

The New England Patriots need a new playbook for the 2015 season if the first string quarterback is not allowed to lead his team for four games.

a stategy of moves to reach a desired objective.

I've got a playbook to get my girlfriend back.

A playbook is used in football; it describes moves on the football field for the team and coaches. They need to study the playbook before a game.

All players are expected to memorize the plays in this new playbook for the season.

A playbook can and often is used in a political campaign.

This playbook, by our political consultants, is for the 2014 legislative campaign. It describes the strategy for the campaign, play by play.

sail pulled in

Reef the sail, a storm is coming.

To slow down what one is doing.

We've finished the project. Let's reef the sails.

to bounce the ball off a side wall in racquetball, squash, or handball

"He bounced the ball off the wall at an unexpected angle to score a point."

When someone, often a child, is very energetic and cannot contain themselves.

"These kids just had some candy and now they are bouncing off the walls causing a huge mess."

To always keep your stick on the ice in hockey, so that you are always ready if the puck comes toward you.

A rookie mistake new hockey players make is forgetting to always keep their stick on the ice, only to have the puck shoot right past them.

To always be ready for anything

The market is incredibly unpredictable lately, so make sure to keep your stick on the ice.

Trump is the most powerful suit in a card game.

My jack of spades trumped your king of hearts.

To be more powerful or important than another thing.

"Experience trumps brain power."