Four Idioms 2
Instructions
Read the idioms below. Do you understand the example sentences? Check the meaning and then use them when you speak.
ballpark figure
– How much is this going to cost? Can you give me a ballpark figure?
– Ballpark figure, this will probably cost around two hundred thousand dollar.
– I don’t need the exact number right now. Just give me a ballpark figure.
ballpark figure
- an rough amount / not the exact amount
This started when announcers looked around baseball stadiums and made a rough guess about how many fans were at the game.
game plan
– Sales were pretty slow this month. What’s your game plan for next month?
– We need a game plan if we want to beat the other sales team.
– If you don’t have a game plan, you won’t be able to win.
game plan
- your strategy or plan for succeeding
This idiom comes from sports. Winning coaches always carefully plan what their players will do. In business, politics, and life, having a clear plan or “game plan” also helps.
keep your eye on the ball
– Don’t get distracted by small changes in the market. Keep your eye on the ball.
– When you get into the meeting, just keep your eye on the ball. Don’t lose focus.
– I really want to make this website work, but there are a lot of little details to take care of. I need to keep my eye on the ball, and just focus on good content.
keep your eye on the ball
- stay focussed
It’s easy to see this comes from a ball sport. In most ball sports, players need to watch the ball carefully and not get distracted.
long shot
– Getting this job is a real long shot. I don’t have enough experience.
– My team is down by ten points. Winning is a long shot, but it’s possible.
– It’s a long shot, but I’m going to ask my boss for a raise.
long shot
- low chance of something succeeding
Hitting a hole in one in golf isn’t easy. The hole is far away. It’s literally a long shot to the hole. You might get lucky, but there’s a low chance of success.
