Drop the Ball.
English
idiom
Make a mistake or miss an opportunity.
Trusted by1M+English learners & teachers worldwide
Make a mistake or miss an opportunity.
Trusted by1M+English learners & teachers worldwide
To let people down by failing to do what was expected of you.
Dropping the ball means something important slipped through, often at the worst moment.
Others were counting on you, and it didn't get done.
"Miss the Mark"
—
To fall short of a goal — dropping the ball is specifically about failing a responsibility, not just underperforming
"Let Someone Down"
—
To disappoint someone — dropping the ball implies a specific task that wasn't completed
"Drop the Ball"
—
Failing to do something you were responsible for, especially when others were depending on you
Why wasn't the proposal sent before the deadline?
I dropped the ball — I thought someone else had sent it. That's on me.
Did you remember to confirm the reservation?
I dropped the ball — I completely forgot. Let me call them now.
What happened with the product launch?
Marketing dropped the ball on the campaign timing. We launched into silence.
