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Region: General | Usage example: He dropped the ball on the client deliverable.

Drop the ball

Meaning

Fail to do something expected.

Usage

Used when someone neglects responsibility.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Sports, particularly ball games, referencing errors.

Common since early 20th-century reporting on mistakes.

Related Idioms

A drop in the bucket

A very small part of something much larger.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

At the drop of a hat

Immediately, without hesitation.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.

Barking up the wrong tree

Accusing or pursuing the wrong person/idea; making a false assumption.