Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the USA and around the world. Kids play it at school, families watch it on weekends, and teams train hard to win games. In America, soccer keeps growing every year. People love the teamwork, energy, and fun that come with every match.
Because soccer is such a big part of life, people have created sayings, or idioms, about it. These idioms help describe feelings, actions, and situations using soccer words. Even if you’re not a soccer player, you might hear these phrases in everyday conversation. They make talking more fun and help others understand what you mean. Let’s explore some common soccer idioms and how we use them in the USA.
Idioms About Soccer
1. Kick off
Meaning: To begin something
Example Sentence:
– Let’s kick off the school year with a fun game.
– The meeting kicked off right after lunch.
Other ways to say: Start, begin
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the start of a soccer game when the ball is first kicked.
Usage: Used when something starts or begins.
2. Move the goalposts
Meaning: To change the rules unfairly
Example Sentence:
– It’s not fair to move the goalposts after we agreed.
– He kept moving the goalposts to win the game.
Other ways to say: Change the rules, shift the standards
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, goalposts don’t move. Changing them would be unfair.
Usage: Used when someone keeps changing what’s expected.
3. On the ball
Meaning: To be alert and quick to respond
Example Sentence:
– She’s really on the ball with her homework.
– The coach was on the ball during the match.
Other ways to say: Focused, sharp
Fun Fact/Origin: Soccer players need to stay close and aware of the ball.
Usage: Used to describe someone who is alert and ready.
4. Get the ball rolling
Meaning: To start an activity
Example Sentence:
– Let’s get the ball rolling on this project.
– We need someone to get the ball rolling.
Other ways to say: Begin, start things off
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from starting a play in soccer or another ball game.
Usage: Used when beginning a task or event.
5. Game plan
Meaning: A plan or strategy
Example Sentence:
– Our game plan is to study a little every day.
– What’s the game plan for the science fair?
Other ways to say: Strategy, plan of action
Fun Fact/Origin: Coaches use game plans to prepare teams.
Usage: Used when discussing plans or steps to follow.
6. Hit the back of the net
Meaning: To succeed or do something right
Example Sentence:
– Her science project really hit the back of the net.
– He hit the back of the net with that idea.
Other ways to say: Succeed, nail it
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, scoring a goal means the ball hits the back of the net.
Usage: Used when someone achieves a goal or success.
7. Score an own goal
Meaning: To do something that hurts yourself
Example Sentence:
– Forgetting my homework was like scoring an own goal.
– He scored an own goal by missing the deadline.
Other ways to say: Mess up, hurt your own cause
Fun Fact/Origin: An own goal in soccer is when you accidentally score for the other team.
Usage: Used when a mistake ends up hurting yourself.
8. A game of two halves
Meaning: Something that changes a lot over time
Example Sentence:
– The field trip was a game of two halves—fun in the morning, boring after lunch.
– My day was a game of two halves—good first, then stressful.
Other ways to say: Mixed experience, up and down
Fun Fact/Origin: Soccer games have two halves, and each half can be very different.
Usage: Used when describing something with two very different parts.
9. Get a red card
Meaning: To be punished or sent away
Example Sentence:
– If you keep yelling, you’ll get a red card from the teacher.
– He got a red card for breaking the rules at camp.
Other ways to say: Get in trouble, be kicked out
Fun Fact/Origin: A red card in soccer means a player must leave the game.
Usage: Used when someone is punished or removed from a group.
10. Bend it like Beckham
Meaning: To do something skillfully
Example Sentence:
– She bent it like Beckham during the art contest.
– He tried to bend it like Beckham on the field.
Other ways to say: Do it with style, show skill
Fun Fact/Origin: David Beckham is known for his skill in curving soccer shots.
Usage: Used to praise someone for showing special talent.
11. Kick it into high gear
Meaning: To start working harder or faster
Example Sentence:
– We kicked it into high gear to finish our group project.
– The team kicked it into high gear in the second half.
Other ways to say: Speed up, boost effort
Fun Fact/Origin: Taken from cars and sports where faster action is needed.
Usage: Used when someone starts working faster or harder.
12. Put in a good shift
Meaning: To work hard or give strong effort
Example Sentence:
– He put in a good shift during the cleanup.
– The players put in a good shift at practice.
Other ways to say: Try hard, do your part
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, players who work hard during their time on the field are praised this way.
Usage: Used when someone works hard for a period of time.
13. Park the bus
Meaning: To play very defensively
Example Sentence:
– We parked the bus to protect our lead.
– The team parked the bus for the last ten minutes.
Other ways to say: Play it safe, defend only
Fun Fact/Origin: Soccer teams that defend heavily are said to be blocking like a parked bus.
Usage: Used when focusing only on defense or safety.
14. One-nil to the…
Meaning: A narrow win or lead
Example Sentence:
– One-nil to the chess club after round one.
– It’s one-nil to Sarah in the spelling bee.
Other ways to say: A small lead, barely ahead
Fun Fact/Origin: Common way to say a soccer score: one team has one, the other has none.
Usage: Used when talking about a small lead in any game or contest.
15. Man of the match
Meaning: The best performer
Example Sentence:
– She was the man of the match for her science fair project.
– He was man of the match in the school play.
Other ways to say: Star, MVP
Fun Fact/Origin: Soccer gives this title to the best player in a game.
Usage: Used when someone is the best performer in an event.
16. A hat trick
Meaning: Three successes in a row
Example Sentence:
– He got a hat trick of A+ grades.
– She made a hat trick of great jokes.
Other ways to say: Triple win, three in a row
Fun Fact/Origin: A hat trick in soccer means scoring three goals in one game.
Usage: Used when someone achieves three big successes close together.
17. Dribble around a problem
Meaning: To avoid a difficult issue
Example Sentence:
– He dribbled around the problem instead of facing it.
– Don’t just dribble around the issue—solve it.
Other ways to say: Avoid, dodge
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, players dribble the ball around others to get by.
Usage: Used when someone avoids talking about or fixing a problem.
18. Back of the net moment
Meaning: A time of success or joy
Example Sentence:
– Getting picked for the team was a back of the net moment.
– Winning the contest felt like a back of the net moment.
Other ways to say: Victory, great moment
Fun Fact/Origin: Scoring in soccer makes the ball hit the net and everyone cheers.
Usage: Used when someone reaches a goal or feels proud.
19. A good save
Meaning: To stop something bad from happening
Example Sentence:
– That reminder was a good save—I almost missed the test.
– She made a good save by catching the spill in time.
Other ways to say: Rescue, avoid trouble
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, goalkeepers “save” the ball from entering the net.
Usage: Used when someone prevents a mistake or fixes a problem.
20. Injury time
Meaning: Extra time added to finish something
Example Sentence:
– We used injury time to wrap up our project.
– The teacher gave us injury time after the fire drill.
Other ways to say: Extra time, added minutes
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, injury time is added at the end to make up for delays.
Usage: Used when more time is given to finish a task.
21. Blow the whistle
Meaning: To stop something or report it
Example Sentence:
– She blew the whistle on cheating in class.
– The coach blew the whistle on rough play.
Other ways to say: Report, stop
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, referees blow a whistle to stop the game.
Usage: Used when someone stops or reports something wrong.
22. Keep your eye on the ball
Meaning: Stay focused
Example Sentence:
– Keep your eye on the ball during the test.
– He forgot to keep his eye on the ball and lost focus.
Other ways to say: Stay focused, pay attention
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, watching the ball helps players react quickly.
Usage: Used when reminding someone to stay focused on a goal or task.
23. Pass the ball
Meaning: Share responsibility or task
Example Sentence:
– It’s time to pass the ball and let someone else try.
– He passed the ball to his partner during the project.
Other ways to say: Share, hand over
Fun Fact/Origin: Passing is a key part of teamwork in soccer.
Usage: Used when sharing work or letting others take a turn.
24. Kick it out
Meaning: To remove or reject something
Example Sentence:
– We kicked out the bad ideas and kept the best ones.
– The teacher kicked out the noisy kids from the group.
Other ways to say: Remove, reject
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, players kick the ball out to stop danger.
Usage: Used when getting rid of unwanted things.
25. A tough tackle
Meaning: A difficult or harsh action
Example Sentence:
– That was a tough tackle, but it had to be done.
– Taking that test was like a tough tackle.
Other ways to say: Hard move, strong effort
Fun Fact/Origin: Tackles in soccer stop the other team and can be intense.
Usage: Used when someone does something hard or brave.
26. Go for goal
Meaning: Try your best to succeed
Example Sentence:
– Let’s go for goal and finish the project early.
– She always goes for goal during spelling bees.
Other ways to say: Aim high, try hard
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, scoring a goal is the main goal.
Usage: Used when trying to achieve a result.
27. Hold the line
Meaning: Defend or stay strong
Example Sentence:
– We need to hold the line and finish the game strong.
– The team held the line under pressure.
Other ways to say: Stand firm, defend
Fun Fact/Origin: Teams hold the line in defense during soccer games.
Usage: Used when staying strong or standing up to something.
28. Miss the goal
Meaning: Fail to achieve something
Example Sentence:
– I missed the goal on my math test.
– He missed the goal by forgetting his lines.
Other ways to say: Fail, fall short
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, missing a goal means not scoring.
Usage: Used when someone doesn’t reach their aim.
29. A foul move
Meaning: Something unfair or wrong
Example Sentence:
– That was a foul move—he cut in line.
– Lying to the teacher is a foul move.
Other ways to say: Wrong, unfair action
Fun Fact/Origin: A foul in soccer breaks the rules.
Usage: Used when describing a dishonest or unfair act.
30. Kick around ideas
Meaning: To talk and share ideas
Example Sentence:
– Let’s kick around ideas for the class project.
– We kicked around a few options for lunch.
Other ways to say: Brainstorm, discuss
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase plays on how a ball is passed around casually.
Usage: Used when discussing or thinking of plans.
31. Put the ball in their court
Meaning: Letting someone else decide
Example Sentence:
– I gave my opinion—now the ball is in their court.
– She put the ball in his court by asking him first.
Other ways to say: Up to them, their turn
Fun Fact/Origin: Though used in many sports, it fits soccer as the ball moves between players.
Usage: Used when it’s someone else’s decision.
32. Stay on the field
Meaning: Keep trying or stay in the game
Example Sentence:
– Stay on the field even if it’s hard.
– She stayed on the field and finished her book.
Other ways to say: Keep going, don’t quit
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, staying on the field means staying in the game.
Usage: Used when encouraging someone not to give up.
33. Be offside
Meaning: To do something too soon or wrong
Example Sentence:
– He was offside when he interrupted.
– She was offside in rushing her answer.
Other ways to say: Jump the gun, too early
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, being offside is a rule violation for moving too soon.
Usage: Used when someone acts out of turn.
34. Put in a tackle
Meaning: To make an effort or take action
Example Sentence:
– He put in a tackle and cleaned up the mess.
– She put in a tackle on the group problem.
Other ways to say: Step in, take action
Fun Fact/Origin: Tackling is a way to win the ball back in soccer.
Usage: Used when someone steps in to help or fix something.
35. Shut them out
Meaning: To stop someone from scoring or succeeding
Example Sentence:
– The goalie shut them out the whole game.
– Our team shut out the competition in round one.
Other ways to say: Block, prevent success
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, a shutout means not letting the other team score.
Usage: Used when preventing someone from winning or achieving.
36. Stick to the game plan
Meaning: Follow the original plan
Example Sentence:
– Stick to the game plan so we stay on track.
– The team stuck to the game plan and won.
Other ways to say: Follow the plan, don’t change
Fun Fact/Origin: Coaches create game plans for teams to follow.
Usage: Used when reminding someone to follow a set strategy.
37. Cover your goal
Meaning: Protect what matters
Example Sentence:
– Cover your goal—don’t forget your work.
– She covered her goal by saving her progress.
Other ways to say: Defend, protect
Fun Fact/Origin: Soccer goalkeepers cover the goal to stop the ball.
Usage: Used when someone protects what’s important.
38. Be a team player
Meaning: Work well with others
Example Sentence:
– Be a team player and share the supplies.
– He’s a team player in group work.
Other ways to say: Cooperate, work together
Fun Fact/Origin: Teamwork is key in soccer, where one person can’t win alone.
Usage: Used when someone helps others and works together.
39. The ball is rolling
Meaning: Something has started
Example Sentence:
– The ball is rolling on our science fair idea.
– Once you start, the ball gets rolling.
Other ways to say: It has started, in motion
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how games begin by moving the ball.
Usage: Used when something is already happening or underway.
40. Boot it
Meaning: To kick hard or with power
Example Sentence:
– He booted the ball across the field.
– She booted her shoes off after gym.
Other ways to say: Kick, launch
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, a strong kick is called a boot.
Usage: Used when kicking something hard or quickly.
41. Put your best foot forward
Meaning: Try your hardest
Example Sentence:
– Put your best foot forward at tryouts.
– She always puts her best foot forward in class.
Other ways to say: Do your best, give full effort
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is used in sports and life, often in first impressions.
Usage: Used when encouraging someone to try hard.
42. Kick up a fuss
Meaning: Complain or make noise
Example Sentence:
– He kicked up a fuss when he lost.
– Don’t kick up a fuss over the small stuff.
Other ways to say: Complain, make noise
Fun Fact/Origin: “Kick” adds motion or drama to the phrase.
Usage: Used when someone makes a big deal out of something.
43. Get a foot in the door
Meaning: Start a small chance to do more
Example Sentence:
– This project is your foot in the door.
– She got a foot in the door by helping first.
Other ways to say: Get started, begin
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in sports and jobs—small steps lead to big chances.
Usage: Used when someone starts a new opportunity.
44. In your own goal
Meaning: Causing problems for yourself
Example Sentence:
– He scored in his own goal by being rude.
– That answer was an own goal on the quiz.
Other ways to say: Mistake, hurt yourself
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, scoring in your own goal helps the other team.
Usage: Used when someone hurts their own chances.
45. Chase the ball
Meaning: Try to get something
Example Sentence:
– She chased the ball all recess long.
– He’s always chasing the ball for new ideas.
Other ways to say: Try hard, pursue
Fun Fact/Origin: Soccer players chase the ball all over the field.
Usage: Used when going after a goal or idea.
46. Step up to the ball
Meaning: Take responsibility or act bravely
Example Sentence:
– She stepped up to the ball and presented first.
– It’s time to step up to the ball and lead.
Other ways to say: Take charge, be brave
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, players step up to take important kicks.
Usage: Used when someone takes responsibility or does something brave.
47. Block the shot
Meaning: Stop a bad thing from happening
Example Sentence:
– He blocked the shot by reminding the group of the rules.
– She blocked the shot by saving the spilled water.
Other ways to say: Stop, prevent
Fun Fact/Origin: Defenders and goalkeepers block shots to stop goals.
Usage: Used when someone prevents a problem or mistake.
48. In the box
Meaning: In a key or risky spot
Example Sentence:
– He was in the box when the hard questions came.
– Being in the box means you must be careful.
Other ways to say: In the spotlight, in a tough place
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, the box is the area near the goal where big plays happen.
Usage: Used when someone is in an important or tough spot.
49. Out of bounds
Meaning: Not allowed or crossing limits
Example Sentence:
– That question was out of bounds.
– Throwing food is definitely out of bounds.
Other ways to say: Not okay, over the line
Fun Fact/Origin: A ball that leaves the field is out of bounds in soccer.
Usage: Used when someone breaks rules or goes too far.
50. Get benched
Meaning: Be taken out or not allowed to play
Example Sentence:
– He got benched for talking back.
– If you don’t follow rules, you could get benched.
Other ways to say: Taken out, lose a chance
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, a benched player sits and doesn’t play.
Usage: Used when someone is removed from a task or activity.
51. Practice makes perfect
Meaning: Doing something often helps you get better
Example Sentence:
– Keep practicing soccer—practice makes perfect.
– She writes every day because practice makes perfect.
Other ways to say: Keep trying, improve by doing
Fun Fact/Origin: Athletes use this often—like in soccer, practice builds skill.
Usage: Used to encourage regular practice and effort.
52. Take a shot
Meaning: Try something
Example Sentence:
– I’ll take a shot at writing a poem.
– He took a shot at solving the puzzle.
Other ways to say: Try, give it a go
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, taking a shot means kicking to score.
Usage: Used when someone tries something new.
53. Play by the rules
Meaning: Follow the rules
Example Sentence:
– If you play by the rules, everyone has fun.
– She always plays by the rules in games.
Other ways to say: Follow the rules, be fair
Fun Fact/Origin: Soccer has rules that players must follow.
Usage: Used when someone follows fair and honest actions.
54. It’s a draw
Meaning: No one wins
Example Sentence:
– Both teams tied—it’s a draw.
– The race was so close, it ended in a draw.
Other ways to say: Tie, even match
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, a game with no winner is called a draw.
Usage: Used when things end evenly.
55. Call the shots
Meaning: Be the one in control
Example Sentence:
– The coach calls the shots for the team.
– At home, Mom calls the shots.
Other ways to say: Lead, make decisions
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from sports and games where one person gives the orders.
Usage: Used when someone is the leader or decision-maker.
56. Make a comeback
Meaning: Return after being down
Example Sentence:
– Our team made a comeback in the second half.
– He made a comeback after failing his first quiz.
Other ways to say: Bounce back, recover
Fun Fact/Origin: Teams in soccer often come back to win after being behind.
Usage: Used when someone turns things around for the better.
57. In full swing
Meaning: Happening with full energy
Example Sentence:
– The soccer game was in full swing.
– The party was in full swing when we arrived.
Other ways to say: Active, going strong
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase means things are at their most active point—just like during a match.
Usage: Used when something is at its peak of activity.
58. Down to the wire
Meaning: Very close to the end
Example Sentence:
– The test came down to the wire.
– The soccer match went down to the wire.
Other ways to say: Last minute, tight finish
Fun Fact/Origin: From races where the winner is decided right at the finish line.
Usage: Used when something is decided at the very end.
59. Drop the ball
Meaning: Make a mistake
Example Sentence:
– I dropped the ball and forgot my homework.
– He dropped the ball during the big play.
Other ways to say: Mess up, make an error
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from ball sports where losing control of the ball is a mistake.
Usage: Used when someone fails to do something important.
60. Be on the same team
Meaning: Support each other or work together
Example Sentence:
– Let’s not argue—we’re on the same team.
– Even in class, we should act like we’re on the same team.
Other ways to say: Be united, cooperate
Fun Fact/Origin: Teamwork in soccer helps everyone win.
Usage: Used to show unity or shared purpose.
61. Take it to the next level
Meaning: Improve or go further
Example Sentence:
– Her game really went to the next level this year.
– Let’s take this project to the next level.
Other ways to say: Improve, level up
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, players work hard to reach higher levels.
Usage: Used when someone improves or reaches a new goal.
62. Run with it
Meaning: Take an idea and keep going
Example Sentence:
– That’s a great idea—run with it!
– She ran with her story idea and made a cool comic.
Other ways to say: Continue, carry on
Fun Fact/Origin: In soccer, once you have the ball, you run with it toward a goal.
Usage: Used when someone is encouraged to keep going.
63. Play to win
Meaning: Give your best effort
Example Sentence:
– We came here to play to win.
– She plays to win every time.
Other ways to say: Try hard, aim to succeed
Fun Fact/Origin: Teams that play to win show full effort in soccer and other sports.
Usage: Used when someone gives their best and wants to succeed.
Quiz: Idioms About Soccer
Instructions: Choose the correct meaning for each idiom. Pick the best answer from A, B, or C.
Question Key
1. What does “kick off” mean?
a) To stop something
b) To begin something
c) To play with your foot
2. If someone “moved the goalposts,” what did they do?
a) Gave a gift
b) Changed the rules
c) Scored a goal
3. “On the ball” means someone is…
a) Sleeping in class
b) Late to the game
c) Focused and ready
4. What does “get the ball rolling” mean?
a) To begin a task
b) To kick a ball
c) To delay work
5. If someone “hits the back of the net,” what did they do?
a) They failed
b) They succeeded
c) They ran away
6. To “score an own goal” means…
a) Helped your team
b) Hurt your own chances
c) Played well
7. “Game plan” is another word for…
a) A celebration
b) A mistake
c) A strategy
8. What does “kick it into high gear” mean?
a) Start working faster
b) Go to sleep
c) Stop trying
9. “Man of the match” is the person who…
a) Sat out the whole game
b) Was the best player
c) Forgot their lines
10. If someone “dribbles around a problem,” they are…
a) Solving it quickly
b) Avoiding it
c) Breaking it
11. To “put in a good shift” means…
a) Show no effort
b) Work hard
c) Take a nap
12. What does “park the bus” mean in soccer idioms?
a) Leave the field
b) Play with no players
c) Defend strongly
13. If the score is “one-nil,” what does that mean?
a) Both teams scored one
b) One team is ahead by one
c) The game was canceled
14. A “hat trick” means someone…
a) Performed three tricks
b) Scored three times
c) Switched hats
15. To “blow the whistle” means to…
a) Report or stop something
b) Celebrate
c) Lose the game
16. “Keep your eye on the ball” means…
a) Watch TV
b) Stay focused
c) Take a break
17. What does “pass the ball” mean in everyday speech?
a) Share responsibility
b) Kick something
c) Give up
18. “Put the ball in their court” means…
a) It’s their turn to decide
b) You missed a shot
c) You quit the team
19. If you “get benched,” what happened?
a) You became team captain
b) You were taken out of the game
c) You got a reward
20. What does “take a shot” mean?
a) Drink water
b) Try something
c) Pass a ball
21. “Play by the rules” means…
a) Be sneaky
b) Follow rules
c) Make your own rules
22. “Make a comeback” means…
a) Stay behind
b) Win again after losing
c) Leave the team
23. What does it mean if something goes “down to the wire”?
a) Ends early
b) Happens outdoors
c) Is decided at the last moment
24. To “drop the ball” means…
a) Make a mistake
b) Win a prize
c) Catch the ball
25. If someone “plays to win,” they…
a) Try their best
b) Give up easily
c) Don’t care
26. “Chase the ball” means…
a) Run in circles
b) Try to get something
c) Avoid the game
27. “Step up to the ball” means…
a) Refuse to help
b) Take action or lead
c) Leave early
28. If you “run with it,” you…
a) Let go
b) Ignore the idea
c) Continue with something
Answer Key
- b) To begin something
- b) Changed the rules
- c) Focused and ready
- a) To begin a task
- b) They succeeded
- b) Hurt your own chances
- c) A strategy
- a) Start working faster
- b) Was the best player
- b) Avoiding it
- b) Work hard
- c) Defend strongly
- b) One team is ahead by one
- b) Scored three times
- a) Report or stop something
- b) Stay focused
- a) Share responsibility
- a) It’s their turn to decide
- b) You were taken out of the game
- b) Try something
- b) Follow rules
- b) Win again after losing
- c) Is decided at the last moment
- a) Make a mistake
- a) Try their best
- b) Try to get something
- b) Take action or lead
- c) Continue with something
Wrapping Up
Soccer idioms are common in everyday life across the USA. Even if you don’t play the sport, these phrases help people express ideas clearly. They bring energy and meaning to regular conversation.
Learning these idioms is a fun way to build your vocabulary. Now that you know them, you might start hearing them more often—in school, on TV, or even at home. So keep your eye on the ball, and don’t be afraid to use these phrases yourself.
