raise the stakes
To increase what is at risk or what could be won or lost in a situation.
Example: Adding a deadline really raised the stakes for the whole team.
B215 words · Upper-intermediate
Sport Idioms vocabulary — B2
Sport idioms for describing setbacks and competition in everyday language, with phrases like back to square one, raise the stakes and the underdog.
15 questions
Words in this set
15a sporting chance
A reasonable and fair opportunity to succeed.
Example:
With more practice, she has a sporting chance of winning the race.
hit below the belt
To act unfairly, especially by making a cruel or overly personal remark.
Example:
Bringing up his divorce in the debate was really hitting below the belt.
on the ropes
In serious trouble, close to complete defeat or collapse.
Example:
The struggling business was clearly on the ropes by the end of the year.
back to square one
Returning to the very starting point after a failed attempt.
Example:
The funding fell through, so we're back to square one.
out of your league
Beyond your ability or status, too advanced or impressive for you to reasonably compete with.
Example:
He admitted the promotion felt out of his league.
the underdog
The competitor expected to lose, with fewer resources or less skill than the favourite.
Example:
Everyone was cheering for the underdog in the final.
false start
An unsuccessful beginning that has to be stopped and attempted again.
Example:
The project had a false start before the team finally found its footing.
a home run
A great success or achievement.
Example:
The new advertising campaign was a home run for the company.
come from behind
To win or improve a situation after being in a losing or weaker position.
Example:
The team came from behind to win in the final minutes.
the gloves are off
A dispute has become serious and unrestrained.
Example:
After that letter the gloves are off on both sides.
a safe pair of hands
Someone reliable who will not make mistakes.
Example:
They wanted a safe pair of hands rather than a visionary.
run rings around
To be very much better than someone at something.
Example:
She would run rings around anyone in that department.
level pegging
Equal in a competition.
Example:
The two of them were level pegging until the final week.
a dead heat
A race that ends with two competitors exactly equal.
Example:
It was a dead heat and the judges took four minutes to say so.
