Americans love baseball! Maybe that's why baseball phrases have become an important part of English in the U.S. Understanding these expressions will help you become a stronger English speaker… and maybe you'll even become a fan!
Here are 8 baseball idioms and how to use them. ⚾
To hit it out of the park
In baseball, when a player hits the ball out of the stadium (or “park”), they've scored a run, and the crowd often goes wild with excitement. So if someone tells you that you’ve hit it out of the park, you should be proud because it means that you’ve done an absolutely amazing job!
To strike out
If a player isn’t able to hit the ball in the three chances allowed, they have struck out (notice the irregular past tense of strike out), and their turn is over. If you’ve struck out, it means you’ve failed at a task. Better luck next time!
In the big leagues
Professional baseball in the U.S. is divided into leagues. The highest league with the best players is called the major leagues or the big leagues. Therefore, if you’re in the big leagues, you’re at the highest, most prestigious level and are competing against the most talented people in your field.
Out of your league
This is another expression originating from the leagues in baseball. If someone or something is out of your league, it means that person or thing is beyond your ability or status.
To play hardball
This idiom originates from the ball that is used in baseball, which is quite hard, especially compared to the softer ball used for a similar sport called softball. Therefore, when you play hardball, it means that you are not going easy on your opponent. In fact, you might even be using some unfair or aggressive tactics to win.
To take a rain-check
On rainy days, a baseball game may need to be canceled, and so fans are given tickets (or “checks”) that allow them to come back and watch a game at a later date. In a similar fashion, if someone invites you to do something that sounds fun, but you’re unable to go, you might let your friend know that you would like to take a rain-check. It’s a way to say that while you can’t accept the invitation now, you would love to do something similar in the future.
Out of left field
In baseball, when the batter hits the ball, it is less common for the ball to go to the left portion of the field. So if something is out of left field, it means that it’s unusual or unexpected, often in a negative way.
Batting 1000
If baseball players are batting 1000, it means they’re succeeding at hitting the ball every time it’s their turn. So if you’re batting 1000, congratulations: You’re doing a perfect job!
With these idioms, you’ll be in the big leagues!
Next time you’re chatting in English, consider trying one of these expressions—you’ll hit it out of the park. ⚾
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