Are you following the 2026 Winter Olympics that are being held in Italy? If you are outdoorsy when it comes to engaging in the sports, even in the winter chill out there, watching the winter Olympic games might be one of your favorite activities these days. Today, I would like to share some useful idiomatic expressions that are related to the Olympics. You can certainly use the following expressions in any cases outside the sports.
1. Level Playing Field
Meaning:
a situation in which everyone has a fair and equal chance of succeeding
Example:
I doubt the company has provided all the interviewees with a level playing
field on the job interview.
2. Out of the Running (ó In the Running)
Meaning:
No longer having a chance to win or succeed
Example:
If you are late to meet the deadline of your project once again, you’re going
to be out of running for promotion.
3. Photo Finish
Meaning:
A race so close that it requires a photograph to determine the winner.
Example:
The election was a photo finish, with the winner declared by a narrow
margin.
4. Throw in the Towel
Meaning:
to abandon a struggle; to admit defeat.
Example:
Coach Miller has always been telling his team never to throw in the towel
before they do their very best.
5. Keep Your Eye on the Ball
Meaning:
to keep one's attention focused on the matter in hand
Example:
Jean was good at keeping her eye on the ball and delivered the project
on schedule.
6. Going for Gold
Meaning:
to aim for the best possible outcome, not just settling for less
Example:
Michael Jackson was such a perfectionist who always went for gold in his
every single concert. He wanted his audience to leave the show, saying that it
was the best performance that they had ever seen.
7. Find Your Rhythm
Meaning: to reach your optimum level of performance or effectiveness.
Example: After a few months of training as the assistant chef, Hannah’s finding her rhythm and excelling in her responsibilities.
8. On the Podium
Meaning: finishing in the top three in a competition (getting a medal) or, more broadly, giving a speech from a raised platform, often a lectern, to command attention
Example: The new cosmetic brand has earned its spot on the podium
as a leader company in the field.
9. Pass the Torch
Meaning: to handing over responsibility or continuing a tradition. Example: When he retired, he passed the torch to the next generation of leaders, ensuring a seamless transition.
10. Second Wind
Meaning: a fresh burst of
energy or strength after feeling tired or exhausted.
Example: Grandma started to doze off right after the huge dinner, but she got second wind and even sang a song when I started to play the guitar.
11. On the Homestretch
Meaning: The final part of
an activity or journey.
Example: Billie has been
working on this project for months, but he’s on the home stretch now.
12.
In
the Zone
Meaning: If you are in the
zone, you are happy or excited because you are doing something very skillfully
and easily; to be in a state of peak performance
Example: The instructor of
the SPIN class was in the zone today. She was full of energy and spirit,
but the members in that class became terribly exhausted and drenched in sweat by
the end.
13.
Jump
the Gun
Meaning:
to begin something too soon or before the right time.
Example:
They jumped the gun by opening their manufactory too early before it was
fully tested.
