Sports Cliches — If you’ve ever listened to a baseball game on the radio or watched Sports Center on ESPN, you’ve likely heard many a sports cliche. Check out our list below.
Sports Cliches
- One game at a time.
- A win’s a win.
- I can’t say enough about him.
- The best defense is a good offense.
- These teams match up well.
- She has her game face on.
- He dropped the ball.
- At the end of the day.
- We have to have played our best to have a chance to win.
- It’s gut-check time.
- Everybody’s on the same page.
- A total team effort.
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Football Cliches
- We have to come together as a team.
- There’s no “I” in team.
- He knows what it takes to win.
- He just knows how to win.
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Best Sports Cliches
- Defense wins championships.
- This is a must-win game.
- The players have bought into the coach’s system.
- Making a statement.
- He’s got a great work ethic.
- Presence of mind.
- It’s not over until it’s over.
- Pick 6.
- We just ran out of time.
- A rifle for an arm.
- Backs against the wall.
- That’s Manny being Manny.
- Records are meant to be broken.
- Take what the defense gives you.
- Step it up.
- Taking it to the next level.
- The other team wanted it more.
- She came to play.
- They’re playing not to lose — you have to play to win.
- It comes down to which team wants it more.
- Momentum has shifted.
- A win is just a win.
- We gave 110%.
- Both teams played hard.
- You gotta give them a lot of credit.
Basketball Cliches
- A defense that bends but doesn’t break.
- Take care of the ball.
- They’re better than their record indicates.
- We left it all on the field (court).
- He’s playing his game.
- It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
- They’re playing within themselves.
- He always gives 110%.
- The win today was a total team effort.
- He wishes he could have that one back.
Sports Lingo
- On the outside looking in.
- We’re treating this like any other game.
- It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.
- Their backs are against the wall.
- There’s no tomorrow.
- In the playoffs, anything can happen.
- (Regarding the playoffs) It’s a new season.
- No lead is safe.
- Turnovers will be key.
- Tremendous upside.
- There’s no love lost between these two teams.
- The game was closer than the final score indicated.
- It’s a business.
- A team of destiny.
- We overcame adversity.
- We beat a very good team today.
- No one gave us a chance.
- Defense wins championships.
- Overcame adversity.
- Great piece of hitting.
- That’s why we play the games.
- We shocked the world.
— Mike O’Halloran
Mike is the founder and editor of Sports Feel Good Stories.
Overtime
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