Sports Cliches

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.

Table Of Contents

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.

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.

24 Winning Sports Cliches of All-Time Video

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.