The idiom “against the run of play” is a commonly used expression in sports, particularly in football (soccer). It refers to a situation where one team unexpectedly scores a goal or wins a match despite being outplayed by their opponents for most of the game. This phrase can also be applied to other situations outside of sports, where something unexpected happens that goes against what was expected or predicted.
Origins and Usage
The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it has been used in football commentary for many years. It is often used when a team scores a goal against their opponent’s momentum or style of play. For example, if one team dominates possession and creates numerous chances but fails to score, then the opposing team may score with their first shot on target – this would be described as scoring “against the run of play.”
This phrase can also be applied more broadly to describe situations where something unexpected happens that goes against what was expected or predicted. For instance, if an underdog wins a political election despite being behind in polls throughout the campaign period, it could be said that they won “against the run of play.”
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how this idiom can be used:
– Despite dominating possession for most of the game, Manchester United lost 1-0 to Arsenal after conceding a goal against the run of play.
– The company’s profits increased significantly last quarter against all predictions – it was definitely against the run of play.
– After trailing by two sets to love, Roger Federer came back to win the match 3-2 – it was a victory against the run of play.
| Idiom | Meaning |
|---|---|
| “Out of nowhere” | Something that happens unexpectedly or without warning. |
| “Against all odds” | Achieving something despite facing significant challenges or obstacles. |
Origins and Historical Context of the Idiom “against the run of play”
The phrase “against the run of play” is a common idiom in sports that refers to an unexpected turn of events during a game. It implies that one team or player has been dominating the match, but suddenly, their opponent scores or gains an advantage. This idiom can be used in various sports such as football, basketball, tennis, and cricket.
The origins of this idiom are unclear, but it is believed to have originated from British English. The term “run” refers to a series of points scored consecutively by one team in some sports like cricket. In football, it means continuous possession and control over the ball by one team.
Historically, this phrase was used in cricket matches where a bowler would take wickets against the flow of play. Later on, it became popularized in other sports as well. The idiom has become so widely accepted that even non-sports enthusiasts use it metaphorically when referring to situations outside the sporting world.
Usage and Variations of the Idiom “against the run of play”
Variations
The phrase “against the run of play” has several variations that convey a similar meaning. Some common variations include “out of nowhere,” “unexpectedly,” or “uncharacteristically.” These phrases indicate that something happened unexpectedly or contrary to what was expected.
Usage
The idiom “against the run of play” is commonly used in sports when one team scores a goal against their opponent’s momentum. However, this phrase can also be used outside sports to describe situations where something happens unexpectedly or goes against expectations.
For example, if someone wins an award despite not being favored to win, you could say that they won it against the run of play. Similarly, if a company experiences sudden success after years of struggling, you could say that their success came against the run of play.
| Variations | Usage Examples |
|---|---|
| “Out of nowhere” | The underdog team scored a goal out of nowhere. |
| “Unexpectedly” | The actor won an Oscar unexpectedly. |
| “Uncharacteristically” | The usually quiet student spoke up uncharacteristically in class. |
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Cultural Insights for the Idiom “against the run of play”
Firstly, some synonyms for “against the run of play” include “unexpectedly”, “surprisingly”, and “out of nowhere”. These words convey a similar meaning to the original idiom and can be used interchangeably in certain contexts.
On the other hand, antonyms for “against the run of play” would be phrases such as “as expected”, “in line with predictions”, or simply stating that something happened according to plan. These words are useful when trying to express that something went exactly as anticipated.
Culturally speaking, this idiom is often used in sports commentary or analysis. It refers to a situation where one team has been dominating throughout a game but then suddenly loses momentum and allows their opponent to score. This phrase is commonly heard in soccer (or football) matches but can also apply to other sports.
Practical Exercises for the Idiom “against the run of play”
Firstly, we recommend practicing with a partner or in a group. Choose a topic or situation where unexpected events occur. For example, you could discuss a recent sports game where one team unexpectedly won despite being behind for most of the match. Use the idiom “against the run of play” to describe what happened and why it was surprising.
Secondly, try writing short stories or scenarios that involve unexpected outcomes. Include situations where things do not go as expected and use “against the run of play” to describe these events. This exercise will help you become more comfortable using this idiomatic expression creatively.
Thirdly, read articles or watch videos related to sports games or other competitive activities where unexpected results occur. Pay attention to how journalists and commentators use idioms like “against the run of play” in their reporting and analysis.
Finally, practice using “against the run of play” in everyday conversations with friends and colleagues. Look for opportunities to use this phrase when discussing situations that did not go as planned.
By completing these practical exercises, you will gain confidence in your ability to understand and use the idiom “against the run of play” effectively in various contexts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Idiom “against the run of play”
When using idioms in a language that is not your native tongue, it can be easy to make mistakes. The idiom “against the run of play” is no exception. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using this expression.
Avoid Literal Interpretation
The first mistake many non-native speakers make when using this idiom is interpreting it literally. The phrase does not refer to running or playing in a physical sense, but rather describes a situation where something unexpected happens contrary to what was expected based on previous events.
Avoid Overusing the Expression
Another mistake people make is overusing the expression. While it’s a useful phrase for describing certain situations, using it too frequently can become repetitive and lose its impact.