Tinker to Evers to Chance: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘Tinker to Evers to Chance’ mean?
"Tinker to Evers to Chance" is a baseball idiom referring to a smooth and skillful double play combination. It represents the names of three players of the Chicago Cubs baseball team from the early 20th century. The idiom is used to describe a coordinated teamwork or a seamless collaboration among individuals.
Idiom Explorer
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The idiom "turn over" means to flip or rotate something, or to change one's position or occupation.
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The idiom *tough sledding* refers to a difficult or challenging situation that requires great effort to overcome.
The idiom "tough nut to crack" means a difficult problem or challenge that is hard to solve or overcome.
Idiom's Famous Baseball Connection
The idiom Tinker to Evers to Chance is derived from the names of three famous baseball players from the early 20th century. It describes a smooth and coordinated action, usually in reference to a sports play or a well-executed plan. The idiom gained popularity in the early 20th century and has since become ingrained in American sports and cultural lexicon.
The origins of the idiom can be traced back to the Chicago Cubs, a Major League Baseball team, during their dominant years in the early 1900s. Joe Tinker, Johnny Evers, and Frank Chance formed the team's double play combination, playing shortstop, second base, and first base, respectively.
The idiom's popularity and continued usage can be attributed to a poem by Franklin P. Adams, a journalist and humorist. Adams titled the poem "Baseball's Sad Lexicon" and published it in 1910. The poem immortalized the trio in verse and helped popularize the idiom. It recounts the team's successful double plays, highlighting their seamless teamwork and precise execution on the field.
Aside from its association with baseball, Tinker to Evers to Chance has found its way into other contexts, including politics, literature, and everyday conversations. It describes situations where individuals or groups work together harmoniously, coordinating their efforts to achieve a common goal. The idiom has become a metaphor for teamwork and cooperation, emphasizing the importance of skill and synergy in achieving success.
The idiom Tinker to Evers to Chance is often related to the phrase "swing for the fences." Just like how Tinker, Evers, and Chance worked together to make a successful double play, swinging for the fences requires taking bold and ambitious action. It represents going all out and aiming for the biggest possible outcome.
The idiom is also related to the phrase "Three Musketeers," as it highlights the importance of a trio working together in harmony. The Musketeers were known for their camaraderie and loyalty, qualities that are reflected in the Tinker to Evers to Chance idiom. It underscores the idea that when three individuals work together, their impact can be greater than the sum of their individual efforts.
In addition, the idiom can be connected to the phrase "turn two," which is a baseball term used to describe a double play. Just as Tinker, Evers, and Chance were known for turning double plays with ease, the idiom symbolizes the successful execution of a coordinated action that leads to a positive outcome.
Lastly, the idiom is often associated with the "Three Stooges," a comedy trio known for their physical comedy and slapstick humor. While the Three Stooges may not have been known for their athleticism like Tinker, Evers, and Chance, the idiom captures the idea of three individuals working together in a coordinated and comedic manner.
Despite its widespread usage, Tinker to Evers to Chance remains primarily associated with baseball and the legendary double play combination of the Chicago Cubs. It serves as a reminder of the sport's rich history and the enduring impact of players who exemplified exceptional skill, teamwork, and precision. The idiom not only captures a specific moment in baseball's past but also represents universal themes of teamwork and cohesion that continue to resonate with audiences today.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "Tinker to Evers to Chance" can be used in a sentence:
1. The three friends worked together like Tinker to Evers to Chance, seamlessly combining their skills to achieve success.
2. The company's marketing strategy involved a series of ads that went from Tinker to Evers to Chance, with each step leading to the next in a seamless progression.
3. The dance routine showcased the performers' coordination and timing, as they moved in perfect synchronization, like Tinker to Evers to Chance.
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