With the National Games in full swing, it’s the perfect time to upgrade your vocabulary so you can describe your favourite sports with ease. Here are some common English terms and idioms related to athletics and teamwork.
Sportsmanship
noun
Meaning: fair, generous and respectful behaviour towards your opponents, especially in defeat
Example: Despite losing the match, the fencer showed great sportsmanship by warmly congratulating his opponent.
Endurance
noun
Meaning: the ability to keep doing something difficult, unpleasant or painful for a long time
Example: A triathlon is the ultimate test of an athlete’s physical and mental endurance.
Down to the wire
idiom
Meaning: when the outcome of a situation, like a contest, is not decided until the very last moment
Example: The thrilling 4x100m relay race went right down to the wire, with first place beating the rest by a fraction of a second.
The ball is in your court
idiom
Meaning: used to tell someone it is up to them to make the next move
Example: Coach has set out a strategy, but for the final play of the game, the ball is in your court.
Underdog
noun
Meaning: a competitor or team thought to have very little chance of winning
Example: The local handball team was clearly the underdog, but they surprised everyone by reaching the finals.
Throw in the towel
idiom
Meaning: to give up or admit defeat; this phrase originates from boxing, where a towel or sponge would be thrown into the ring to signal defeat
Example: The team were down by 10 points but refused to throw in the towel and fought until the very end.
Camaraderie
noun
Meaning: mutual trust, friendship and connection among a group of people who spend a lot of time together
Example: Win or lose, the best part of being on the team was the camaraderie we built during the long hours of practice.
