A couple of weeks ago, we gave you a crash course in American football terms since we are in smack in the middle of football season. This week, in response to a request from a Livemocha fan and blog reader, we’ll talk about football terms that have made their way into our everyday speech. Here we go!
Quarterback
Football usage: a player on the offensive team who accepts the first pass of each play and leads his team
Everyday usage: a person who leads a group or activity, or the act of leading or directing
Example: Who’s quarterbacking this new project?
Tackle
Football usage: to jump on a player who’s holding the ball and forcefully bring him to the ground
Everyday usage: to solve, undertake, handle
Example: I’ll tackle my math homework…right after lunch!
Huddle
Football usage: when players meet together on the field to discuss instructions for an upcoming play
Everyday usage: to gather closely together to discuss something (or simply to get warm!)
Example: Before the store opens every morning, the employees have a huddle to discuss the day’s assignments.
Fumble
Football usage: when a player loses control of the ball (drops it) before being tackled or scoring
Everyday usage: to clumsily try to grab or hold onto something
Example: She fumbled around the nightstand looking for her glasses in the dark.
Intercept
Football usage: when an opposing player catches a pass instead of the player who the pass was intended for
Everyday usage: to get something that was intended for someone else
Example: When Jan was passing a note to Laurie, the teacher intercepted it and read it aloud to the class.
Run Interference
Football usage: to block a defensive player to give your teammate a chance to advance with the ball
Everyday usage: to distract a person in order to give someone else extra time or an opportunity to do something
Example: I’ll go to the kitchen and run interference with Mom so you can hide the presents you bought for her at the store.
Game Plan
Football usage: a series of plays used as a strategy to try to win the game
Everyday usage: a strategy for accomplishing something
Example: We’ve got a lot of errands to run today. What’s the game plan for finishing them all?
Drop The Ball
Football usage: literally, to drop the football
Everyday usage: to fall to accomplish something that was your responsibility
Example: I know I said I’d have that report to you by today, but it’s not finished. I’m sorry. I dropped the ball.
To Take The Ball and Run
Football usage: to grab the ball and run as fast as you can until someone tackles you
Everyday usage: to put yourself in charge of a project or situation and proceed quickly and with confidence
Example: Julie is doing a great job as the president of the board. She took the ball and ran with it.
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