Sport & Military

Likely Origin (Disputed)

Toe the line

"To conform to a rule or standard."

Well Documented

Over the moon

"Delighted; extremely pleased."

Well Documented

That's not cricket

"That's not fair or proper conduct."

Likely Origin (Disputed)

Straight from the horse's mouth

"Information from the most direct, authoritative source possible."

Likely Origin (Disputed)

At the Drop of a Hat

"Immediately, without any hesitation or need for persuasion."

Well Documented

On the Ball

"Alert, competent, and quick to respond."

Well Documented

Get a Second Wind

"To recover energy and enthusiasm after a period of tiredness."

Well Documented

The Ball Is in Your Court

"It's now your turn to act or make a decision."

Likely Origin (Disputed)

Bend Over Backwards

"To make an extreme effort to help or accommodate someone."

Well Documented

Jump the Gun

"To act prematurely, before the proper or agreed time."

Well Documented

Throw in the Towel

"To give up or admit defeat."

Well Documented

Keep Your Chin Up

"Stay positive and optimistic, even in a difficult situation."

Well Documented

Up to Scratch

"Meeting the required standard; good enough."

Well Documented

Neck and Neck

"Very closely matched in a competition, with no clear leader."

Well Documented

Hit Below the Belt

"To act unfairly, cruelly, or without regard for accepted standards of decency."

Well Documented

Pull No Punches

"To speak or act with complete honesty and force, holding nothing back."

Well Documented

Take It on the Chin

"To face hardship, criticism, or defeat with resilience and without complaint."

Well Documented

Par for the Course

"Typical or expected, usually in a resigned or unsurprising sense."

Well Documented

Hat Trick

"Three successes of the same kind achieved in a single event."

Well Documented

Sticky Wicket

"A difficult or awkward situation."

Well Documented

Throw Your Hat in the Ring

"To announce that you're entering a contest or competition, especially a political race."

Likely Origin (Disputed)

Down to the Wire

"Undecided until the very last moment."