Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone’s failure to complete a task or fulfill a responsibility, often resulting in a negative consequence or missed opportunity. It implies a mistake or error in judgment that leads to a failure to meet expectations.

Usage in Example Sentences:

1. “I really dropped the ball on that project; I forgot to submit the report by the deadline.”
2. “The sales team dropped the ball by failing to follow up with potential clients, and we lost a major account.”
3. “We can’t afford to drop the ball on this opportunity; it’s crucial that we deliver results.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “drop the ball” can be traced back to sports, particularly ball games like football or basketball, where dropping the ball results in a loss of possession and often a missed scoring opportunity. Over time, the phrase evolved to encompass situations beyond sports, referring to any instance where someone fails to execute a task or responsibility effectively. Today, “drop the ball” is a common idiom used in various contexts to describe mistakes or failures to meet expectations.