20 Common English Idioms Used in Olympics 2024 Explained with Examples 

As the 2024 Olympics in Paris are going on, it’s the perfect time to brush up on your English idioms related to sports and competition. Idioms are a crucial part of the language, allowing you to express ideas more colorfully and naturally. 

Here are 20 common English idioms you’ll likely hear during the Olympics, along with their meanings, contexts, origins, and examples.

List of English Idioms

1. Go for the gold
2. Jump the gun
3. A level playing field
4. Give it your best shot
5. Take the lead
6. Fall behind
7. Throw in the towel
8. Call the shots
9. Frontrunner
10. Go the distance
11. The home stretch
12. Win hands down
13. A winning streak
14. Break the ice
15. On your marks, get set, go!
16. Back-to-back victories
17. Out of bounds
18. Photo finish
19. All eyes on [athlete]
20. Saved by the bell

Explanation of English Idioms Usage in Sports

1. Go for the gold

   • Meaning: To strive for the highest achievement or aim for victory
   • Origin: The phrase “go for the gold” originated in the 1980s and became popular during the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where it was used extensively in media coverage and advertising.
   • Example: “In the final lap, he pushed harder than ever to go for the gold and won the 400m race in the athletics championship.”

 

1. Jump the gun

   • Meaning: To start something prematurely or before the right time
   • Origin: The phrase “jump the gun” dates back to the early 20th century and was first used for sprinters who left the starting blocks before the starting gun was fired.
   • Example: “The sprinter jumped the gun, and her false start resulted in disqualification from the race.”

 

1. A level playing field

   • Meaning: Fair and equal conditions for competition
   • Origin: The phrase “level playing field” originated in the late 19th century and was initially used in baseball fields, where a level surface was important for fair play.
   • Example: “To ensure a level playing field for all competitors in the Olympics, athletes can be tested anytime and anywhere for prohibited substances.”

 

1. Give it your best shot

   • Meaning: To try your hardest and with the maximum effort
   • Origin: The phrase “give it your best shot” originated in the early 20th century and was initially used in shooting sports, where participants aimed to hit a target with their best effort.
   • Example: “Despite being incredibly nervous, the young gymnast gave it her best shot and performed flawlessly on the balance beam.”

 

1. Take the lead

   • Meaning: To take the first position in a competition
   • Origin: The phrase “take the lead” originated in the late 19th century and was initially used in horse racing, where the leading horse was said to “take the lead.”
   • Example: “The cyclist gave it his best shot and managed to take the lead in the race’s final lap.”

 

1. Fall behind

   • Meaning: To perform slower than or not as well as others in a competition
   • Origin: The phrase “fall behind” originated in the late 16th century and was initially used in military formations, where soldiers who fell out of line were said to “fall behind.”
   • Example: “The marathon runner had a good start but began falling behind in the second half.”

 

1. Throw in the towel

   • Meaning: To give up or stop doing something before you have finished
   • Origin: The phrase “throw in the towel” originated in the early 20th century and was initially used in reference to boxing, where a fighter’s corner would throw a towel into the ring to signal their surrender.
   • Example: “After struggling for the whole race, the marathon runner decided to throw in the towel in the second half, and then focus on getting stronger for the next competition.”

 

1. Call the shots

   • Meaning: To be in control and make decisions
   • Origin: The phrase “call the shots” originated in the late 19th century and was initially used in billiards, where a skilled player could “call” or predict the outcome of a shot.
   • Example: “The coach called the shots during the game, adjusting the strategy based on the opponent’s performance.”

 

1. Frontrunner

   • Meaning: The leading competitor in a race or competition
   • Origin: The word “frontrunner” was first used in the mid-20th century in horse racing, where the leading horse was said to be the “frontrunner.”
   • Example: “The Kenyan athlete emerged as the frontrunner in the London marathon, maintaining a steady pace ahead of the pack.”

 

1. Go the distance

   • Meaning: To continue until the end of a challenge or competition
   • Origin: The phrase “go the distance” was originally used in the early 20th century in boxing, where a fighter who lasted the entire match was said to “go the distance.”
   • Example: “Despite problems with previous injuries, the tennis player was determined to go the distance and finish the match.”

 

1. The home stretch

   • Meaning: To be near the end or in the final stages of a competition
   • Origin: The phrase “home stretch” originated in the late 19th century and was initially used in reference to horse racing, where the final stretch of the race leading to the finish line was called the “home stretch.”
   • Example: “As the marathon entered the home stretch, the leading runners pushed themselves to maintain their pace for the final kilometres.”

 

1. Win hands down

   • Meaning: To win easily or decisively
   • Origin: The phrase “win hands down” was originally used in horse racing in the 18th century, when jockeys could ride with their hands down, indicating a comfortable lead.
   • Example: “The defending champion won hands down with superior technique and strength.”

 

1. A winning streak

   • Meaning: A series of consecutive victories
   • Origin: The phrase “winning streak” originated in the early 20th century and was initially used in reference to baseball, where a team that won multiple games in a row was said to be on a “winning streak.”
   • Example: “Our basketball team are on a winning streak, having won all their matches in the tournament so far.”

 

1. Break the ice

   • Meaning: To initiate conversation or interaction
   • Origin: This idiom refers to initiating conversation or interaction, often used in social contexts to ease tension. The phrase “break the ice” originated in the late 16th century and was initially used in reference to ships breaking through frozen waters, making way for others to follow.
   • Example: “The opening ceremony featured a spectacular performance to break the ice and welcome athletes from around the world.”

 

1. On your marks, get set, go!

   • Meaning: What the starter says to tell the runners to start the race
   • Origin: This phrase is commonly used to signal the start of a race, emphasizing readiness and anticipation. It symbolizes the excitement and adrenaline of competition. It was first used in the 20th century in reference to track and field events, where the starter would give these commands to signal the start of a race.
   • Example: “The runners lined up at the starting line, waiting for the starter to shout, ‘On your marks, get set, go!'”

 

1. Back-to-back victories

   • Meaning: Winning the same competition in consecutive attempts
   • Origin: The phrase “back-to-back victories” originated in the mid-20th century and was initially used in reference to sports where a team or athlete won the same championship or title in consecutive years.
   • Example: “The swimmer celebrated back-to-back victories, solidifying her status as a top competitor.”

 

1. Out of bounds

   • Meaning: Indicating that the ball or athlete has gone outside the designated area of play
   • Origin: The phrase “out of bounds” was used in sports like football and basketball, where the playing field or court had clearly defined boundaries.
   • Example: “The referee called the ball out of bounds, stopping play for a throw-in.”

 

1. Photo finish

   • Meaning: When a race is so close that a photo is needed to determine the winner
   • Origin: The term “photo finish” originated in the early 20th century and was initially used in reference to horse racing, where a camera was used to capture the exact moment when the horses crossed the finish line in a close race.
   • Example: “The 100m final ended in a photo finish, with the winner decided by mere milliseconds.”

 

1. All eyes on [athlete]

   • Meaning: When everyone is watching a particular athlete because they are expected to perform exceptionally well
   • Origin: The phrase “all eyes on [athlete]” was used in sports coverage in the mid-20th century, when the media focused on a particular athlete or team that was expected to perform well.
   • Example: “With her impressive track record, all eyes were on the gymnast as she prepared for her routine.”

 

1. Saved by the bell

   • Meaning: In sports like boxing, when an athlete is saved from being counted out by the bell signaling the end of the round
   • Origin: The phrase “saved by the bell” was initially used in reference to boxing, where a fighter close to being knocked out would be “saved” by the bell, signaling the end of the round.
   • Example: “The boxer was on the verge of being knocked out but was saved by the bell when the round ended.”

Conclusion

By incorporating these idioms into your vocabulary, you can discuss the Olympics like a pro and sound more natural when conversing with native English speakers. Embrace the spirit of the games, and let these idioms add some excitement to your Olympics commentary!

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