Phrase guide

bend it like Beckham

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • General-American, Received-Pronunciation: /ˌbɛnd‿ɪt laɪk ˈbɛkəm/
  • Southern-England: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • General-American: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To kick a football (soccer ball), especially during a free kick, in a manner which causes it to move in a curve rather than in a straight line.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Topics: ball-games, games, hobbies, lifestyle, soccer, sports

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From bend + it + like + Beckham, referring to the skill of the English footballer David Beckham (born 1975) in kicking a football with a curling shot. The term was popularized by the title of the film Bend It Like Beckham (2002).

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: potkaista kierteellä — to kick a football (soccer ball) in a manner which causes it to move in a curve rather than in a straight line