Drop the ball
/drɒp ðə bɔːl/informalUK · US
What does “Drop the ball” mean?
Drop the ball means to fail to do something you were responsible for
Forgetting to book the room for an event is dropping the ball. The failure can be an omission, not something you actively did wrong.
“I dropped the ball” can be a useful admission. Follow it with the specific mistake and what you will do next.
When do people say it?
Often used to admit or criticise a missed responsibility. Say what was missed so the phrase does not hide the actual mistake.
“I dropped the ball and forgot to book the room for the party.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in UK and US.
Where does it come from?
The image is of losing control of a ball during a game. Outside sport, the missed catch becomes a responsibility that was not handled.
Origin confidence: Disputed; treat with caution
How do you say “Drop the ball” in other languages?
Last updated 2026-10-01