Game Idioms

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nail biter

Meaning: a situation like a close contest, which induces anxiety or tension.

Example: Friday's nail-biter of a win over the Houston Texans was an excruciating contest. Read more ➺


wild card

Meaning: an opportunity to participate in a sporting event without having to compete in qualifying matches or be ranked at a certain level.

Example: Nobody can guess what Mark is going to do next. He's always been a bit of a wild card. Read more ➺


spare someone’s blushes

Meaning: to stop someone from feeling awkward or embarrassed.

Example: My teacher spoke up to spare the blushes of the new student. Read more ➺


rain check

Meaning: declining an offer that might be taken up later.

Example: He said he would take a rain check on visiting us today. Read more ➺


pass the buck

Meaning: passing blame to another person

Example: That particular supervisor tends to pass the buck of all light duties to newly hired interns. Read more ➺


call bluff

Meaning: to challenge to prove one's claim, when they are likely attempting to deceive

Example: When the employee threatened to quit if he was not given a pay rise, the boss called his bluff. Read more ➺


the ball is in your court

Meaning: The initiative for taking action lies with somebody.

Example: We did what we could, and now the ball is in your court. Read more ➺


king of the hill

Meaning: be the undisputed champion

Example: He made £3 million before he was 30, so he is the king of the hill in this industry. Read more ➺


knock out

Meaning: big success

Example: Does your brother really think that he can knock out the biggest guy in school? I would like to see him try. Read more ➺


on your mark

Meaning: absolutely accurate

Example: Runners, please get ready. On your mark, get set, go! Read more ➺


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