Drop the Ball - Idiom of the Day for IELTS Speaking & Writing
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Boost your IELTS lexical resources band scores with the idiom ‘Drop the Ball’ and express failure or mistakes in your IELTS Speaking & Writing answers. Dive into the meaning, origin, and topics in which you can use it, and exercise to master the term.
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Using idioms such as 'Drop the Ball' would increase your fluency and precision when describing real-life situations like missing deadlines, forgetting responsibilities, and failing to meet expectations. However, you have to learn to effectively use those idioms so that you can build up your lexical resource score for the IELTS Exam. Such idiomatic language would help you use natural language appropriately and with cultural awareness.
Remember that you need to practice using these terms in different situations. This in turn, would increase your confidence and make you ready for the actual exam day. So, take note of the meaning and check out the exercise to improve your language skills for the IELTS Speaking & Writing sections.
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What does ‘Drop the Ball’ Mean?
To score a higher IELTS Band Score, you need to demonstrate your lexical precision. In a writing task 2, it lies in your body paragraphs and in a Speaking section, it is the experiences and opinions which you showcase. These idioms and phrases do not only sound impressive but also elevate your score for which you need to learn how to use them appropriately. Look at the table given below to know more about the idiom ‘Drop the Ball’.
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Topic |
Description |
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Drop the Ball |
Idiom |
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Definition |
Completely mess things up; commit a blunder. |
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Synonyms |
Mess up, Make blunder |
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Origin |
This idiom has its roots in American football, wherein one has to catch a ball for a pass to be successfully completed. Dropping the ball would give the opposing team possession of it, thus giving them a chance to score. Its use for more general kinds of mistakes dates from about 1950. |
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Examples |
Oh Richard for God’s sake, don’t drop the ball on this one. We’re counting on you. In the days leading up to my maths final exam, I really dropped the ball by partying and playing video games instead of studying.
The Prime Minister really dropped the ball when he announced loan waivers for farmers during the insolvency crisis. Only a total idiot could drop the ball in an entrance exam for the local university. It’s just so easy. |
Want to elevate your lexcial knowledge with 9 IELTS Speaking IDIOMS for BAND 9 SCORE? Check out the video below!
When to Use Drop the Ball in IELTS Speaking & Writing Answers?
Learning to use the idiomatic expression, ‘Drop the Ball’, appropriately in various contexts would make your answers a natural, fluent, and advanced level of language proficiency. Therefore, you must first familiarise yourself with the list of topics where you can incorporate the idiom in your IELTS Speaking & Writing sections. Below are some of the topics along with examples which would help you use the term effectively.
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Education
To describe that teachers', schools', or governments' failure to meet the needs of the students.
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Some people believe the education system dropped the ball by not adapting to online learning quickly during the pandemic. |
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Work & Career
To point out the responsibility or failure, by which the action is either fulfilled or neglected, in professional settings.
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In my previous job, my colleague dropped the ball on an important task, and it affected the whole project. |
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Technology
An opportunity missed or mismanagement of a technological innovation.
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Many argue that companies dropped the ball by not protecting user privacy in the digital age. |
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Environment
To reinforce the idea of negligence in protecting natural resources or in considering climate change.
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Governments have dropped the ball on tackling pollution despite repeated warnings from scientists. |
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Health
To demonstrate a problem in health systems or individual negligence in health acts.
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They dropped the ball when they delayed critical treatment for patients at the hospital. |
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Sports
To literally or figuratively use it when describing any mistakes during games or teamwork.
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The boys dropped the ball in the last few minutes and lost the championship. |
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Personal Life
Reflecting your mistakes in everyday life, goals, or responsibilities.
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I dropped the ball when I forgot proper preparation before that very first interview. |
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Exercise on Drop the Ball for IELTS Speaking & Writing
Let's continue attaining the knowledge with the idiomatic expression, ‘Drop the Ball’. The following exercise will provide you with enough practice so that you can start mastering its natural use. In this way, you can weave this idiom into your answer smoothly with ease.
Fill in the Dialogue with the Correct Idiom.
Idioms:
- Piece of Cake
- In Hot Water
- On Cloud Nine
- Burn the Midnight Oil
- Drop the Ball
Katy: Hey, did you end up doing the presentation for tomorrow?
Charles: No, I just forgot about it entirely. I really 1 __________ this time, and the whole team is angry.
Katy: Well, you have to fix it quickly! Or you are 2 __________ with the professor once he finds it out.
Charles: Yes, I know! I suppose I must have 3 ______________ to get it ready on time.
Katy: Don't worry about it too much. Once you practice a few times, it will be a 4 __________ for you.
Charles: Right, and, if I actually pull it off tomorrow, I'll be 5 __________ for a whole week!
Answer to the Exercise on Drop the Ball for IELTS Speaking & Writing
Look into the answers and compare yours with the right ones. Focus on recognizing any patterns behind incorrect selections, then apply the right strategies to sharpen your skills for improving your IELTS performance.
- Drop the Ball
- In Hot Water
- Burn the Midnight Oil
- Piece of Cake
- On Cloud Nine
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Idioms are a great aid for your IELTS Speaking and Writing sections, but you must practise using them appropriately in conversation. With enough effort, you will be able to express your thoughts with ease. Engage in idiomatic dialogues with multiple people, as it will make your responses stand out.
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