dropping the ball

USAGE SUMMARY

"dropping the ball" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a failure to fulfill a responsibility or task. Example: "He really dropped the ball on that project deadline." Alternative expressions include "failing to deliver" and "missing the mark."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr. Grassley added: "This was worse than dropping the ball.

The New York Times

I pride myself on not dropping the ball and catching everything that comes my way.

The New York Times

When it comes to his responsibilities, he prides himself on not dropping the ball.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet Ms. Betts became concerned she was dropping the ball with social networks at Betts Recruiting.

The New York Times

"But you see, in San Francisco the courts are dropping the ball.

The New York Times

By carefully cultivating contacts you meet and by not dropping the ball," he says.

The Guardian

Maybe the independents are overachieving, or maybe the major labels are dropping the ball.

The New York Times - Arts

Who can we blame for dropping the ball on this one.

The Guardian - Film

"It sounds to me like the police are really dropping the ball," he said.

The New York Times

Van der Bijl just kept blocking, dropping the ball down by his feet.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead of dropping the ball, Brown would have snared it and run it back for touchdown.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dropping the ball", ensure the context clearly indicates whose responsibility was neglected and the resulting negative consequence. This provides a clearer understanding of the situation.

Common error

While "dropping the ball" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Vary your language with more precise terms like "failing to deliver" or "neglecting responsibilities" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dropping the ball" functions as an idiomatic expression. It concisely conveys the meaning of failing to meet expectations or fulfill a responsibility. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Sport

23%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiom "dropping the ball" is a very common and readily understood expression for failing to fulfill a responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples of its use across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media and sports reporting. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "failing to deliver" in professional settings. Ludwig helps clarify its appropriate usage and provides context through real-world examples, ensuring effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making a blunder

This alternative emphasizes the act of committing a significant mistake.

failing to deliver

This focuses on the inability to produce the expected results or meet obligations.

missing the mark

This suggests a failure to achieve a specific target or standard.

slipping up

This implies a minor or unintentional mistake.

falling short

This indicates a failure to reach a required level or standard.

making an error

This is a general term for making a mistake.

fouling up

This suggests a clumsy or bungled execution.

botching it

This implies a complete and obvious failure.

coming a cropper

This British idiom denotes an embarrassing or disastrous failure.

flubbing the dub

This slang term suggests messing something up.

FAQs

What does "dropping the ball" mean?

The idiom "dropping the ball" means failing to fulfill a responsibility or making a mistake, especially when the task was expected to be handled successfully.

What can I say instead of "dropping the ball"?

You can use alternatives like "failing to deliver", "missing the mark", or "making a blunder" depending on the context.

How can I avoid "dropping the ball" on a project?

To avoid "dropping the ball", ensure you have a clear understanding of your responsibilities, create a detailed plan, communicate effectively with your team, and proactively address any potential challenges.

Is "dropping the ball" appropriate for formal communication?

While "dropping the ball" is widely understood, it may be too informal for certain professional contexts. Consider using alternatives like "failing to deliver" or "neglecting responsibilities" in formal communications.