[Idiom] DROP THE BALL. - Avoid Mistakes: Learn from Idiomatic English!

Make a mistake.

To "drop the ball" doesn't mean literally dropping a sporting object but figuratively fumbling a responsibility or task. It suggests a lapse in performance, like a juggler losing rhythm and letting a ball fall, which leads to an error or oversight in a project, task, or commitment. This idiom is often used when someone fails to meet expectations or standards, serving as a reminder of the importance of attentiveness and responsibility in any endeavor.

Example Sentences

1. During the presentation, he completely dropped the ball and forgot his lines.

   During the presentation, he completely failed and forgot his lines.

2. She dropped the ball on the project deadline and had to apologize.

   She missed the project deadline and had to apologize for her mistake.

3. The team manager dropped the ball by not securing a backup venue.

   The team manager failed by not securing a backup venue.