to drop the ball meaning?

Question

What is the meaning of "to drop the ball" idiom?

Answer 1

 

Idiom Conjugations:

 

Answer 2

Gerund Form of the Idiom:

Dropping the ball can cause many problems in your life.
 

Answer 3

Idiom Usage:

In the imperative:

"Do not drop the ball or there will be consequences!"
 

Answer 4

Idiom Scenario 2:

Ned and Grace are driving in their car.  They are going camping for the long weekend.  All of a sudden their car breaks down and stops running.  They pull over to the side of the road:
Grace:  "What happened, Ned?"
Ned:      "Well, isn't it obvious, the car broke down!"
Grace:   "I can see that.  Did you service the car like I asked you to?"
Ned:       "Hmmm.  Did you ask me to service the car?"
Grace:    "Yes, I did!  I asked you to check the oil and antifreeze and the belts."
Ned:       "I suppose I dropped the ball, then, because I completely forgot.  Sorry."

Answer 5

Idiom Scenario 1:

It is Monday morning.  Your term paper was due last Friday.  You did not hand in your term paper.  Your professor wants to see you in his office:
Professor:   "Good morning.  I see that you did not hand in your term paper."
You:             "I know, Professor.  I forgot.
Professor:   "Is your term paper completed?"
You:             "Yes, sir.  I finished it last Wednesday."
Professor:    "What happened?"
You:              "I became distracted by my friends because they wanted to go out and party on Friday night."
Professor:     "Is that a valid excuse?"
You:               "No, sir.  I dropped the ball."
Professor:      "Very well then.  Give me your paper now."

Answer 6

Idiom Definition:

"to drop the ball"

to make a mistake or fail - often because of carelessness or inattention
 

Synonyms:
bobble, botch, bumble, bungle, fail, failure, flop, flounder, flub, fumble, miscarry, mistake
 
 
This poor fellow has dropped the ball on his own foot. - - - - ->