43 Idioms for Soccer

Idioms for soccer are a vibrant part of the sport’s language, capturing its excitement and nuances in a way that resonates with fans and players alike. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or just starting to appreciate the game, these expressions can elevate your understanding and enjoyment of soccer.

Imagine having the ability to express the thrill of a last-minute goal or the frustration of a missed opportunity with just the right phrase. As you dive into this article, you’ll discover idioms that not only enhance your soccer vocabulary but also deepen your connection to the beautiful game. Let’s kick off this journey together!

Idioms for Soccer

1. Kick the ball around

• Meaning: To casually discuss or consider an idea or plan.
• In a Sentence: Let’s kick the ball around and see what strategies we can come up with for the match.
• Other Ways to Say: Brainstorm, toss around ideas, bounce ideas off each other.

2. On the ball

• Meaning: Being alert and quick to understand or respond.
• In a Sentence: You need to be on the ball if you want to win this match.
• Other Ways to Say: Sharp, attentive, aware.

3. At the top of one’s game

• Meaning: Performing at one’s highest level of ability.
• In a Sentence: The striker was at the top of his game, scoring three goals in the final.
• Other Ways to Say: In peak form, at one’s best, excelling.

4. Get a kick out of something

• Meaning: To enjoy or derive pleasure from an activity.
• In a Sentence: I really get a kick out of watching my kids play soccer.
• Other Ways to Say: Enjoy, take pleasure in, find amusing.

5. Down to the wire

• Meaning: A situation that is not decided until the very end.
• In a Sentence: The match was down to the wire, with both teams scoring in the final minutes.
• Other Ways to Say: Close call, last-minute, tight finish.

6. Saved by the bell

• Meaning: Rescued from a difficult situation just in time.
• In a Sentence: The team was saved by the bell when the referee blew the whistle before the opponent could score.
• Other Ways to Say: Just in time, narrowly escaped, rescued at the last moment.

7. Take a shot

• Meaning: To attempt something, often without certainty of success.
• In a Sentence: I decided to take a shot at coaching the youth team this season.
• Other Ways to Say: Give it a try, make an attempt, take a chance.

8. In the box

• Meaning: A critical area on the field where scoring opportunities arise.
• In a Sentence: He always knows how to position himself in the box for a perfect header.
• Other Ways to Say: In scoring range, near the goal, in the danger zone.

9. Pass the ball

• Meaning: To share responsibility or decision-making with someone else.
• In a Sentence: Don’t be afraid to pass the ball; teamwork is essential for success.
• Other Ways to Say: Share the load, collaborate, delegate.

10. Game changer

• Meaning: A person or thing that significantly alters the outcome of a situation.
• In a Sentence: The new player turned out to be a game changer for the team.
• Other Ways to Say: Catalyst, difference maker, pivotal player.

11. Keep your eye on the ball

• Meaning: To stay focused on the task at hand.
• In a Sentence: You need to keep your eye on the ball if you want to win this tournament.
• Other Ways to Say: Stay focused, concentrate, pay attention.

12. Blow the whistle

• Meaning: To report wrongdoing or illegal activity.
• In a Sentence: He decided to blow the whistle on the unfair practices in the league.
• Other Ways to Say: Report, expose, inform on.

13. Play hardball

• Meaning: To act aggressively or ruthlessly to achieve goals.
• In a Sentence: If you want to succeed in this business, you have to play hardball.
• Other Ways to Say: Be tough, be ruthless, take a strong stance.

14. Own goal

• Meaning: A mistake that results in one’s own failure or disadvantage.
• In a Sentence: The missed penalty was an own goal for the team’s morale.
• Other Ways to Say: Self-sabotage, blunder, unintentional error.

15. Take one for the team

• Meaning: To sacrifice one’s own interests for the benefit of the group.
• In a Sentence: She took one for the team by playing through her injury.
• Other Ways to Say: Make a sacrifice, endure for others, put others first.

16. Out of left field

• Meaning: Something unexpected or surprising.
• In a Sentence: His sudden decision to retire was completely out of left field.
• Other Ways to Say: Unexpected, surprising, unanticipated.

17. Dribble past

• Meaning: To skillfully maneuver around obstacles or challenges.
• In a Sentence: He managed to dribble past several defenders to score a goal.
• Other Ways to Say: Navigate, maneuver, sidestep.

18. Score an own goal

• Meaning: To inadvertently cause a setback for oneself.
• In a Sentence: His careless comments scored an own goal during the negotiations.
• Other Ways to Say: Shoot oneself in the foot, undermine oneself, create a setback.

19. Get the ball rolling

• Meaning: To initiate an action or process.
• In a Sentence: Let’s get the ball rolling on planning this event.
• Other Ways to Say: Start the process, initiate, kick off.

20. Play it safe

• Meaning: To avoid taking risks.
• In a Sentence: He decided to play it safe and not attempt the challenging maneuver.
• Other Ways to Say: Be cautious, avoid risks, take the conservative route.

21. Hit the back of the net

• Meaning: To achieve success or score a goal.
• In a Sentence: After several attempts, he finally hit the back of the net.
• Other Ways to Say: Achieve success, score, succeed.

22. In the driver’s seat

• Meaning: In control of a situation.
• In a Sentence: After that win, the team found themselves in the driver’s seat for the championship.
• Other Ways to Say: In control, at the helm, leading.

23. Get a red card

• Meaning: To be penalized or dismissed from a situation.
• In a Sentence: He got a red card for his unsportsmanlike behavior.
• Other Ways to Say: Be expelled, face consequences, be punished.

24. In a league of one’s own

• Meaning: To be unmatched or superior in a particular area.
• In a Sentence: Her talent on the field puts her in a league of her own.
• Other Ways to Say: Unmatched, unrivaled, unique.

25. Run the play

• Meaning: To execute a specific plan or strategy.
• In a Sentence: The coach called for them to run the play they practiced all week.
• Other Ways to Say: Execute the plan, follow the strategy, implement.

26. Pass the torch

• Meaning: To hand over responsibility to someone else.
• In a Sentence: After many years, she decided to pass the torch to the new coach.
• Other Ways to Say: Transfer responsibility, hand over the reins, delegate.

27. Step up to the plate

• Meaning: To take on a challenge or responsibility.
• In a Sentence: He stepped up to the plate when the team needed a leader.
• Other Ways to Say: Take responsibility, rise to the occasion, take charge.

28. Play for keeps

• Meaning: To play seriously or with intention to win.
• In a Sentence: In this final, we’re playing for keeps; every goal counts.
• Other Ways to Say: Play seriously, compete fiercely, be determined.

29. Call the shots

• Meaning: To be in control or make decisions.
• In a Sentence: The captain calls the shots on the field during the game.
• Other Ways to Say: Make decisions, be in charge, direct.

30. In the clear

• Meaning: Free from danger or difficulty.
• In a Sentence: After that last-minute goal, we were finally in the clear.
• Other Ways to Say: Safe, out of trouble, no longer at risk.

31. Tackle the issue

• Meaning: To confront a problem directly.
• In a Sentence: We need to tackle the issue of player injuries head-on.
• Other Ways to Say: Address the problem, confront, deal with.

32. Full-time

• Meaning: The end of a game or a situation, often implying a conclusion.
• In a Sentence: The referee blew the whistle for full-time, and we celebrated our victory.
• Other Ways to Say: Conclusion, end of the game, final whistle.

33. Reach for the stars

• Meaning: To pursue high goals or ambitions.
• In a Sentence: She always encourages her players to reach for the stars.
• Other Ways to Say: Aim high, set lofty goals, aspire.

34. In the thick of it

• Meaning: In the middle of a difficult or intense situation.
• In a Sentence: He found himself in the thick of it during the championship match.
• Other Ways to Say: Amidst the chaos, in the heat of the moment, fully involved.

35. Take the plunge

• Meaning: To take a risk or make a significant decision.
• In a Sentence: After much thought, he decided to take the plunge and start coaching.
• Other Ways to Say: Make a commitment, go for it, dive in.

36. Game face

• Meaning: A serious expression or attitude adopted for competition.
• In a Sentence: When the playoffs started, she put on her game face.
• Other Ways to Say: Serious demeanor, competitive spirit, focus.

37. Play the field

• Meaning: To consider multiple options or opportunities.
• In a Sentence: He’s still playing the field before deciding on a team to join.
• Other Ways to Say: Explore options, keep choices open, be flexible.

38. Catching fire

• Meaning: Gaining momentum or excitement rapidly.
• In a Sentence: The team is catching fire after winning five games in a row.
• Other Ways to Say: Gaining energy, building momentum, becoming exciting.

39. The ball is in your court

• Meaning: It is your turn to take action or make a decision.
• In a Sentence: I’ve made my proposal; now the ball is in your court.
• Other Ways to Say: Your move, your responsibility, it’s up to you.

40. A level playing field

• Meaning: A situation where everyone has an equal chance.
• In a Sentence: We need to create a level playing field for all teams in the league.
• Other Ways to Say: Fair competition, equal opportunity, balanced environment.

Quiz Idioms for Soccer

What does “kick the ball around” mean?

a) To play soccer casually
b) To discuss ideas
c) To kick the ball hard
Answer: b) To discuss ideas

If someone is “on the ball,” they are:

a) Clumsy
b) Alert and quick
c) Tired
Answer: b) Alert and quick

What type of situation is described as “down to the wire”?

a) A relaxed game
b) A decisive moment
c) A boring match
Answer: b) A decisive moment

If you “take a shot,” you are:

a) Shooting a ball
b) Making an attempt
c) Taking a break
Answer: b) Making an attempt

Conclusion

Idioms for soccer reveal the rich language of the sport, enhancing our understanding and appreciation. These expressions encapsulate key concepts like teamwork, strategy, and excitement, making them essential for any soccer enthusiast. Embracing these idioms helps us connect more deeply with the beautiful game and its vibrant culture.