drop the ball

USAGE SUMMARY

'drop the ball' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an instance when someone has failed to do something they were expected to do, like a player missing an important catch, or a leader not making a decision. For example, "The government has been reluctant to address the problem and it seems that they have finally dropped the ball."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We fumble or drop the ball.

The New York Times

But when you drop the ball you drop the ball".

The Guardian - Film

Did Australians drop the ball?

The Guardian - Opinion

You drop the ball lower.

The New York Times - Sports

I don't want to drop the ball".

The New York Times - Arts

"Don't drop the ball," was the message they conveyed.

The New York Times

But quite often, campaigners drop the ball afterward.

The Guardian

Nonetheless, she says, "I do drop the ball".

The New York Times

"And Perkins will be there if you drop the ball".

The New Yorker

I'm not going to drop the ball on my shift".

The New York Times - Magazine

But with public health threats, we all drop the ball.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drop the ball" to describe a specific instance of failure, especially when someone's inattentiveness or negligence leads to a negative outcome.

Common error

While "drop the ball" is a common idiom, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "fail to deliver" or "miss the mark" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "drop the ball" functions as a verb phrase. It is used to describe an action (or inaction) that results in failure. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase indicates a failure to do something expected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Huffington Post

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

BBC

2%

The New Yorker

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drop the ball" is a very common idiomatic expression used to describe a failure to meet expectations or fulfill a responsibility. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase. While widely understood, it may be too informal for certain professional contexts, where alternatives like "fail to deliver" are more appropriate. Its high frequency and diverse usage in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian solidify its place in everyday language. When writing, remember to use it to describe a specific instance of failure. Considering the potential for overuse, it's essential to vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not follow through

Focuses on the failure to complete a task or fulfill a commitment.

neglect one's duties

Replaces the idiomatic expression with a more direct, literal term for not completing or caring for responsibilities.

fumble the opportunity

Specifically refers to losing a chance for success due to a mistake.

fail to deliver

Shifts the focus to the failure to achieve a promised or expected outcome.

fall short

Emphasizes the inadequacy of performance relative to a specific standard or goal.

miss the mark

Suggests a failure to achieve the intended result or target.

make a blunder

Replaces the idiomatic expression with a more direct, literal term for making a significant mistake.

make a mess of things

Indicates a more general failure resulting in disorder or chaos.

err badly

Highlights the severity and negative consequences of the error.

screw up royally

Uses stronger, more informal language to express a significant failure.

FAQs

What does it mean to "drop the ball"?

To "drop the ball" means to fail to fulfill a responsibility or make a critical mistake, especially one that has negative consequences.

How can I use "drop the ball" in a sentence?

You can use "drop the ball" to describe someone who has failed at a task or duty. For example: "The team was counting on him, but he "failed to deliver" and dropped the ball."

What are some alternatives to saying "drop the ball"?

Alternatives to "drop the ball" include "miss the mark", "fail to deliver", or "make a blunder", depending on the context.

Is "drop the ball" an appropriate phrase to use in professional settings?

While "drop the ball" is widely understood, it may be perceived as informal. In professional settings, consider using more formal alternatives like "neglect one's duties" or "not follow through" to maintain a professional tone.