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Region: US | Usage example: I will go to bat for you at the review meeting.

Go to bat for

Meaning

Defend or support someone openly.

Usage

Used to promise backing or advocacy.

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.

Baseball metaphor about stepping up to bat for teammates.

Baseball idioms entered American office talk in the early twentieth century.

Related Idioms

Put your money where your mouth is

Support words with action or investment.

Butter up

Flatter someone to gain favor.

Pass the buck

Shift responsibility to someone else.

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.

The ball is in your court

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

Throw in the towel

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