Sports Terms in Law and Business
Traditionally the boardroom table has been surrounded by men in executive positions. The trend has caused an influx of vocabulary to the legal and business world that can put you in the corner if you are not familiar with the terms. Down below you will find some idioms and phrasal verbs to help you knock it out of the part next time you run into a tight spot.
To kick off
This is the idea to start something.
ex. The proceedings will kick off next week as the venue has finally been set.
ex. After kicking off the meeting, the partners carried the motion to increase the annual budget.
Synonyms: to tip off & to tee off
Football: America’s Sport, America’s Language. To drop the ball, keep your eye on the ball & make the cut.
To have them in the corner
This means to be in the offensive position.
ex. After the the discovery stage, the prosecution already had the defense in the corner.
ex. We can get out of the corner if we develop a strong legal strategy.
Antonym: To be in the corner
This most likely comes from boxing. Some other common expressions thereof are: To have them against the ropes, a knockout, to weigh in & down for the count.
To have the bases loaded
To be in a critical situation.
ex. The merger is in its final stages and the executive team has the bases loaded. To touch base. Ball park estimate.
ex. A key factor in negotiations is when the bases are loaded to keep a cool head.
This comes from baseball. Baseball has provided many idioms and expressions for our enjoyment in the legal world. Rain check, grandslam, homerun, strike out & to field.
To be up to par
This means to be at an acceptable standard.
ex. The first draft of the contract was not up to par and had to be revised.
ex. After the senior associate made some changes, the quality was up to par.
Golf is the gentlemen’s game. And the expressions have carried the same golden traditions. A hole in one, to tee off, to shank it, to be in the rough/sand, to get the swing of things & take a mulligan.
To have the inside track
This implies having the advantage.
ex. The young graduate really had the inside track due to his credentials and merit.
ex. Our firm has the inside track on the competition.
Track and field have offered us many expressions such as: To jump the gun, break a record, pass the torch & go for the gold.
Do you have a full, professional fluency in Legal English? Take our quiz below.
See your level in just 5 minutes.
We can teach you legal English.
Study technical grammar to improve your professional level.
Problems with Powerpoint?
Free Evaluations
Excellent services. Impartial results.
Contact us for free evaluations and testing services. Risk free. Quality guaranteed.
