drop the ball
Meaning
To make a mistake by failing to do something important, especially through carelessness or inattention.
Origin
From ball sports (especially American football/baseball): literally dropping a ball causes an error or loss, so it became a metaphor for failing at a responsibility.
Notes
Often mildly blaming or disappointed. Used for failing a responsibility (work, projects). Casual to neutral register; can sound accusatory if aimed at a person.
Examples
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I really dropped the ball by forgetting to submit the report before the deadline.
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If we drop the ball on customer support, people will switch to our competitors.
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She dropped the ball during the presentation and couldn’t answer basic questions.
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The team dropped the ball when they failed to confirm the meeting time with the client.
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Don’t drop the ball now—we’re so close to finishing the project.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase: drop the ball. Verb inflects (drop/dropped/dropping). Often used with a subject who failed, sometimes with “on” + task (e.g., dropped the ball on the report).
Synonyms
- mess up
- screw up
- blow it
- make a mistake
- fail
- fall down on the job
Antonyms
- handle it
- follow through
- deliver
- come through