American football is a team game that is played on a rectangular field. Each team has 11 players and the aim is to score points through touchdowns and field goals using an oval shaped ball. It is a contact sport where players wear shoulder pads and face protectors. American football is a different game to English football (soccer).
American football idioms and phrases
Many idioms originate from American football and here is a list of them with examples.
- blindside
meaning – be surprised in a negative way
example – We were all blindsided by his decision to quit the panel. - drop back
meaning – move to the back of the group
example – Richards dropped back and waited for the pass from Mcdonough. - kick into touch
meaning – stop something happening/succeeding
example – Our plans for a new home have been kicked into touch now I’m unemployed. - kick off
meaning – the start of an event/activity or start arguing/fighting
example – I’m leaving work at 6, so I’ll be back in time for kick off. - on the sidelines
meaning – not actively participating
example – Thomas has hurt his knee, so he’ll be on the sidelines today. - run with
meaning – be in charge of something and do it independently
example – Do you think I can trust Ryan to run with the case while I’m away? - tackle something
meaning – deal with a task/problem/issue
example – I’ll tackle the pile of paperwork on my desk after lunch. - touch down
meaning – score in rugby/American football or when an aircraft lands
example – I scored a touchdown in the last minute to win us the game.
PICTURE American football idioms and phrases
