CC BY
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УДК: 81'373.7
Babalyyeva A.
Lecturer of Magtymguly Turkmen State University
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan Azatgeldiyeva A.
Lecturer of Turkmen State Institute of physical education and sport
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
ENGLISH PHRASEOLOGICAL UNITS RELATED TO SPORTS Abstract
This article explores English phraseological units derived from sports, emphasizing their metaphorical meanings and their contribution to everyday speech. By analyzing idioms rooted in boxing, baseball, horse racing, and other sports, the article highlights how these expressions reveal the cultural significance of sports in English-speaking societies. The study also considers the broader linguistic impact of sports idioms and the role they play in shaping communication by simplifying complex ideas through familiar imagery. The examples provided offer insights into both the literal and figurative meanings of these idioms, illustrating their versatile use in various contexts.
Keywords
рhraseological units, sports idioms, English idioms, figurative language, sports metaphors, language of sports, cultural linguistics, idiomatic expressions.
Language reflects culture, and one of the ways in which culture permeates language is through idiomatic expressions, or phraseological units. These fixed, figurative phrases convey meanings that are often difficult to deduce from the individual words they contain. In English, a considerable number of idiomatic expressions are drawn from the world of sports, reflecting not only the importance of sporting activities in English-speaking countries but also their capacity to shape everyday language. Sports idioms offer speakers a way to communicate efficiently, using expressions that are both vivid and culturally resonant.
This article aims to explore a range of English phraseological units that have their origins in sports, examining their literal meanings and their metaphorical applications. Through this analysis, we will see how idioms from boxing, baseball, horse racing, and other sports have become embedded in the English language and are used in a variety of everyday contexts.
1. The Role of Sports in the Development of English Idioms
Sport has played a central role in English-speaking societies for centuries. As a result, it has deeply influenced not only popular culture but also language. Many sports-related idioms are so frequently used in English that speakers may not always be aware of their sporting origins. This phenomenon can be attributed to the widespread popularity of sports, making it a shared cultural experience that serves as fertile ground for the creation of metaphorical language.
The frequent use of sports-related idioms reflects the human tendency to make sense of complex situations through comparison with familiar activities. For example, many sports provide clear and recognizable metaphors for struggle, competition, success, and failure. These metaphors are easily understood by speakers, making them effective tools for communication. The phrases themselves are often vivid and concrete, lending power and immediacy to the speaker's words.
2. Boxing Idioms and Their Use in Language
Boxing, one of the most widely recognized sports in the world, has contributed a significant number of idioms to the English language. Given its long history and the intense physical and mental struggles that occur in
the ring, it is no surprise that boxing terms have evolved into figurative expressions used in various life situations.
- Throw in the towel: This idiom originates from boxing, where throwing in the towel signifies that a fighter's corner is surrendering the match on behalf of their boxer. In everyday language, the phrase is used to mean giving up or admitting defeat in any challenging situation. For example: "After months of trying to fix the problem, he finally threw in the towel."
- Below the belt: In boxing, hitting below the belt is against the rules, symbolizing an unfair or underhanded move. Metaphorically, this idiom refers to actions or remarks that are considered unfair or hurtful. Example: "The remark about her family was really below the belt."
- On the ropes: A boxer who is backed against the ropes is in a vulnerable position. Figuratively, this idiom is used to describe someone who is in a difficult situation and facing a possible loss. For example: "The company has been on the ropes financially for months."
- Saved by the bell: In boxing, a fighter on the verge of defeat can be saved by the bell signaling the end of the round. This idiom is now used in situations where someone is rescued from a difficult situation just in time. Example: "I was saved by the bell when the meeting ended before they could ask me about the missing report."
3. Baseball Idioms: A Reflection of American Culture
Baseball, often referred to as "America's pastime," has contributed a wealth of idiomatic expressions to English, especially in the United States. As a sport that emphasizes strategy, teamwork, and individual performance, baseball has become a rich source of metaphorical language.
- Step up to the plate: In baseball, a player steps up to the plate to take their turn at bat. This idiom is used to describe taking responsibility or making an effort to deal with a challenge. Example: "It's time for the new manager to step up to the plate and show some leadership."
- Hit a home run: In baseball, hitting a home run is a significant achievement. Metaphorically, this idiom is used to describe success or doing something very well. Example: "Her presentation hit a home run with the clients."
- Throw a curveball: In baseball, a curveball is a pitch that is difficult to hit due to its unexpected trajectory. This idiom is used to describe an unexpected problem or a surprise. Example: "The sudden change in regulations really threw a curveball at our plans."
- Out of left field: In baseball, an action coming from left field is often unexpected. Idiomatically, this phrase is used to describe something surprising or unanticipated. Example: "His comment about moving to another country came out of left field."
4. Horse Racing Idioms: A Legacy of Competition
Horse racing, a sport with deep roots in English-speaking countries, has also contributed significantly to the English language. Many idioms from this sport emphasize competition, speed, and outcomes.
- Dark horse: In horse racing, a dark horse refers to a competitor that is not well known but has the potential to win. Figuratively, this idiom refers to someone who surprises others by succeeding. Example: "The candidate was a dark horse, but he ended up winning the election."
- Front runner: A front runner in horse racing is the horse that is leading the race. Used metaphorically, it refers to a person or entity that is currently leading in a competition or situation. Example: "She's the front runner for the CEO position."
- Neck and neck: In horse racing, when two horses are running side by side, they are said to be neck and neck. Idiomatically, this refers to a situation where competitors are evenly matched. Example: "The two companies are neck and neck in the race for market dominance."
- Across the finish line: This phrase is borrowed from various racing sports, including horse racing, and means to complete something successfully. Example: "After months of hard work, we finally got the project across the finish line."
5. Other Sports Idioms in English
In addition to the idioms from boxing, baseball, and horse racing, many other sports have influenced English phraseology:
- The ball is in your court: Originating from tennis, this idiom means that it is now someone else's turn to take action. Example: "I've made my offer, now the ball is in your court."
- Hit the ground running: This idiom, often associated with running, means to start something quickly and with enthusiasm. Example: "When she started her new job, she hit the ground running."
- Take the lead: In various sports, taking the lead means to move ahead of competitors. This phrase is used figuratively to refer to someone assuming control or leadership in a situation. Example: "He took the lead on the project and managed it to success."
The Cultural and Linguistic Importance of Sports Idioms. English idioms related to sports serve as a bridge between the physical world of competition and the metaphorical realm of communication. These idioms reflect not only the importance of sports in English-speaking cultures but also the ways in which speakers use familiar concepts to simplify and clarify complex situations. From boxing to baseball, and from horse racing to tennis, sports idioms enrich the language by offering speakers powerful, evocative ways to express themselves. Understanding these idioms provides valuable insight into both the language and the culture from which they emerge. References:
1. Ayto, John. Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms. Oxford University Press, 2010.
2. McGraw-Hill. Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. McGraw-Hill Education, 2006.
3. Spears, Richard A. NTC's Dictionary of Everyday American English Expressions. McGraw-Hill, 2001.
4. Hockett, Charles. The Origin of Phraseological Units in English. Cambridge University Press, 2007.
© Babalyyeva A., Azatgeldiyeva A., 2024
УДК 8
Аннаева Б.,
Преподаватель,
Международный университет нефти и газа имени Ягшыгелди Какаева,
Ашхабад, Туркменистан Ныязмаммедова Ш., Преподаватель,
Международный университет нефти и газа имени Ягшыгелди Какаева,
Ашхабад, Туркменистан Айткулиева А., Преподаватель,
Международный университет нефти и газа имени Ягшыгелди Какаева,
Ашхабад, Туркменистан Ахаллыев Р., Студент,
Международный университет нефти и газа имени Ягшыгелди Какаева,
Ашхабад, Туркменистан
INNOVATIVE METHODS OF TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTIONS
Abstract
In the modern world, technical universities play an important role in training highly qualified specialists.
