drops the ball
Fails at clutchtime
To drop the ball is to fail at a crucial moment, especially by neglecting a responsibility or making an avoidable mistake.
The metaphor comes from sports—a dropped ball costs your team.
I really dropped the ball on that project deadline.
Someone dropped the ball and the client never got notified.
The phrase implies fault through carelessness rather than impossibility.
- blows itFails when succeeding seemed certain
- blunderFoolish, costly mistake
- messes upErrs in execution
- screws upFails through error
- falls shortFails to meet standard
error · slip · fail · bobble · repercussions · oversight · negligence · lets down · obligation · dependability · apology · makes amends · ownership · lapse · trustworthiness · miss · stewardship · passes the buck
drops the ballcomes through
Fulfills when it matters
delivers · follows through · steps up · carries out · fulfills
drops the ballsteps up
Increases or takes responsibility
clutch performance · nails it · shines · excels · triumphs
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