drop the ball

phrase

Synonyms of drop the ballnext
: to make a mistake especially by failing to take timely, effective, or proper action

Examples of drop the ball in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Which wideout or defensive back will literally and figuratively drop the ball? — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Furious drops the ball a bit in the interactions with Emma and Jay Easton, turning them into one-dimensional caricatures instead of complex villains, but honestly, this show isn’t really about them. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026 That’s because the Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver ran a slant and dropped the ball that quarterback Malik Willis fired his way. — Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026 New York running back Tyrone Tracy took a handoff and dropped the ball untouched. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for drop the ball

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of drop the ball was in 1948

Rhymes for drop the ball

See All Rhymes for drop the ball

Browse Nearby Words

drop-test
drop the ball
drop the handkerchief
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drop the ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drop%20the%20ball. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for drop the ball

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