ball hog: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘ball hog’ mean?
A "ball hog" is a person who selfishly keeps the ball to themselves in a team sport, not passing or sharing with others. This idiom is often used to criticize someone's lack of teamwork and selfishness.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "leave the ball in someone's court" means to give someone the responsibility or opportunity to take action or make a decision in a situation, often after one's own efforts or turn has been completed.
The idiom "keep the ball rolling" means to keep an activity or conversation going, to maintain progress or momentum in a situation. It suggests the idea of keeping things moving forward and not allowing them to come to a standstill.
The idiom "keep one's eye on the ball" means to stay focused on the task or goal at hand without getting distracted. It is often used in sports to emphasize the importance of concentration and not losing sight of the main objective.
The idiom "junkyard dog" refers to someone who is fiercely protective and aggressive in defending their territory or interests. It conveys the idea of toughness and tenacity, often used to describe individuals who are always ready to fight back or stand up for themselves.
The idiom "hoover up" means to consume or gather something quickly and thoroughly. It is often used to describe someone who eats or drinks a large amount of food or a person who collects or acquires something in a rapid and efficient manner.
The idiom "hole in one" refers to hitting a golf ball and getting it into the hole with a single shot. It is often used metaphorically to describe achieving something difficult or impressive on the first attempt.
Hold-up play refers to a soccer tactic where a player slows down the game to retain possession and create space for teammates. It involves skillfully shielding the ball from opponents, often used by midfielders or forwards to maintain control and facilitate attacking opportunities.
The idiom "head-the-ball" refers to a person who is unpredictable, scatterbrained, or lacks focus. They often make impulsive decisions or behave in a foolish manner.
The idiom "have a ball" means to have a great time or enjoy oneself immensely.
The idiom "hammer-headed" refers to someone who is stubborn or obstinate, often refusing to listen to reason or change their mind.
Unmasking the Player
The term "ball-breaker" is another idiom that is related to the concept of a ball hog. This idiom is often used to describe a person who is demanding, tough, and unyielding in their approach. Just as a ball hog monopolizes the ball in basketball, a ball-breaker takes control and exerts dominance in a situation. While the idioms have slightly different connotations, they both involve a person who acts in a self-centered or assertive manner.
Similarly, the idiom "keep one's eye on the ball" is also related to the idiom ball hog. This expression is often used to advise someone to stay focused and attentive to the task at hand. In the context of basketball, a player who keeps their eye on the ball is aware of their surroundings and ready to react to any changes or opportunities in the game. In contrast, a ball hog is solely focused on retaining possession of the ball and may lose sight of the bigger picture or the needs of their teammates.
Example usage
Examples:
- During the basketball game, John was a ball hog and refused to pass the ball to his teammates.
- Sara's teammates were frustrated with her because she always kept the ball to herself, acting like a ball hog.
- The coach benched Mike because he was being a ball hog and not involving his teammates in the game.
The idiom "ball hog" is used to describe someone who selfishly keeps the ball to themselves and doesn't pass it to their teammates in a team sport like basketball.
More "Sports" idioms
