fumbled the bag
Lost the opportunity
Fumbled the bag means to fail at something, especially by mishandling an opportunity that seemed within reach.
From American football, where fumbling loses possession of the ball.
The phrase emphasizes that success was close before being squandered: He had the promotion locked up but fumbled the bag by showing up drunk.
Often shortened to just fumbled.
- dropped the ballFailed at crucial moment
- missed opportunityChance not taken
- failBe unsuccessful
- messed upDisordered or badly handled
- blunderFoolish, costly mistake
slip · blew it · oversight · miscalculation · lost the plot · squandered · choked · mistake · screwed up · clutch · regret · drop · turnover · lapse · loss · faux pas · epic fail · fell apart
fumbled the bagcapitalized
Made the first letter big
cashed in · came through · delivered · nailed it · collected
fumbled the bagclutched
Held firmly in hand
executed · rose to the occasion · showed up · stepped up · aced it
fumbled the bagcame through
Fulfilled expectations reliably
delivered · nailed it · rose to the occasion · stepped up · locked in
fumble, fumbled, fumbles, fumbling, fumbler, bagged, bagging, bagger