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.
Then, when Manning got the ball back with two minutes left, Florida grabbed its fifth sack courtesy of linebacker Myles Graham, and Manning dropped the ball in the process. — Noah White, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 Lawmakers were appalled at the US seemingly dropping the ball on coming to Ukraine’s aid. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 15 Oct. 2026 But Blakeman accused Hochul of dropping the ball on bringing justice for the shocking 2024 attack. — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 14 Oct. 2026 Yankees star Alex Rodriguez distracted Blue Jays third baseman Howie Clark by shouting at him on a key pop-up during the ninth inning, which spawned a near-fight after the infielder dropped the ball and a run scored. — Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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