the approximate value or amount of something
a brief pause or interruption in an activity
(baseball) a position in the outfield responsible for covering the area between center field and the left foul line
Left field is a position in baseball or softball located in the outfield, to the left of the field when facing the batter. The player in this spot is responsible for catching balls hit to the left side of the field. They need to be quick and have a strong arm to throw the ball to other players, such as the shortstop or third baseman, in order to get runners out. Left fielders also help stop hits from reaching the boundary line for extra points.
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to tie the game by scoring an equal number of points or runs as the opposing team
to answer a phone call, especially in a professional or business context
![to [get] to first base with {sth}](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/40555/original/?type=jpeg)
to achieve an initial level of success in dealing with a particular task, situation, challenge, etc.
The idiom "get to first base with something" originated from the sport of baseball. The first base is the starting point, and a player must reach it in order to advance to the next bases. If a player reaches all four bases and returns to home plate, they score a run for their team. It is an idiom often used to describe initial progress or success in a project or endeavor.
to support or defend someone, especially in a challenging situation
a person who is agreeable, easygoing, and handles situations, especially losses or failures, with grace and good humor
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a hit in baseball that occurs when a batter hits the ball and runs around all four bases, scoring a run for their team
A home run in baseball or softball happens when a batter hits the ball out of the playing field's boundaries, typically over the outfield fence, without the ball touching the ground. This allows the batter to round all the bases and return to home plate, scoring a run for their team. A home run is one of the most exciting plays in the game and is often a result of powerful hitting. It can also occur if the ball is hit inside the field but the fielder drops or fails to catch it, allowing the batter to keep running and score.
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to start, especially referring to an event or activity
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used when two or more participants in a race or competition are very close and have an equal chance of winning
The idiom "neck and neck" likely originates from the world of horse racing, where it is crucial to measure the distances between horses at the finish line. When two horses are very close to each other, with their necks aligned, it signifies a close and competitive race with no clear leader. Over time, this horse racing terminology has been adopted into everyday language to describe any close competition or situation where two or more parties are evenly matched.
used to describe someone or something that is incorrect, mistaken, or not in line with the facts or the situation
to step in and take someone else's place, especially in an important or unexpected situation
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in an instant and with no delay
The origin of the idiom"off the bat" is rooted in baseball terminology. In baseball, when a batter hits the ball, it makes immediate contact with the bat and quickly flies off. This association of swift action and immediate response likely influenced the idiomatic usage of this expression to describe an action that is done without instantly and without any hesitation.
used to describe something happening immediately from the start or as soon as something begins
to take revenge or get even with someone, often for a past wrongdoing
to eliminate someone or something from a list
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to try to deal with a difficult problem or situation in a determined manner
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to discourage or weaken someone’s confidence, momentum, or enthusiasm
used to tell someone that it depends on them to make a certain decision or to take a specified action
The idiom "the ball is in one's court" has its origin in the world of sports, particularly in games like tennis and racquet sports. In these games, players take turns hitting a ball back and forth over a net. When the ball is in one player's court, it means it is their turn to make a move or take action. Figuratively, this expression is used to convey that someone is responsible for making a decision or taking action in a particular situation, and it implies that it is now their turn to respond or make their move.
![to [throw] {sb} a (curveball|curve)](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/46139/original/?type=jpeg)
to introduce a surprising or unexpected element or challenge into a situation
The idiom "throw someone a curveball" originates from baseball, where a curveball is a pitch that suddenly changes direction as it approaches the batter, making it challenging to predict and hit. This expression is often used when someone is faced with a situation that catches them off guard or requires them to adapt quickly.
a situation that is completely different from what one was previously dealing with
The origin of the idiom "a different ball game" is rooted in the sport of baseball. The phrase is derived from the idea that each game of baseball presents unique challenges, strategies, and outcomes. It is used figuratively to refer to a situation or circumstance that is significantly different from a previous one, requiring a fresh approach or mindset. The idiom emphasizes the idea of a distinct and separate situation, highlighting the need for adaptation and adjustment to the new set of circumstances.
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