Phrase guide
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
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verb
To fail in one's responsibilities or duties, or to make a mistake, especially at a critical point or when the result is very negative.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: idiomatic
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see drop, ball.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
commit a faux pas or a fault or make a serious mistake
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Synonyms: sin, blunder, boob, goof
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: transgress, offend, infract, violate, go against, breach, break
History
An allusion to the rules of such games as baseball, American football or cricket wherein literally dropping the ball would be a mistake.
Across languages
16 source translations are retained for this English entry.
