Soccer is more than just a sport; it’s a game that teaches lessons, builds confidence, and sharpens skills both on and off the field. In this article, I’ve compiled 30 unique soccer idioms that capture the essence of the game—covering everything from scoring goals to player strategies.
These expressions, drawn from the spirit of soccer, help explain its tactics, fun moments, and challenges. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, these idioms can give you a fresh way to understand and talk about the game.
list of 30 idioms for soccer
- Play the ball, not the man
- Back of the net
- Park the bus
- On the front foot
- Keep your eye on the ball
- Pull off a hat trick
- Hit the ground running
- Pass with flying colors
- A game of two halves
- Under the cosh
- Kick off
- Man of the match
- Put through their paces
- On the back foot
- It’s not over till the final whistle
- Own goal
- Ball hog
- Playing in the wrong boots
- Keep it simple
- Outpace the competition
- Turn on a sixpence
- Find your groove
- Hit the target
- Strike gold
- Seal the deal
- Right on the money
- Level the playing field
- Blow the whistle
- Drop the ball
- Call the shots
Best Idioms for Soccer
Play the ball, not the man
Focus on the game rather than personal confrontations.
Example: “Stay focused and play the ball, not the man, to win fair and square.”

Back of the net
Scoring a goal successfully.
Example: “He put the ball in the back of the net with precision.”
Park the bus
Defensive strategy involving all players blocking attacks.
Example: “The team decided to park the bus after taking an early lead.”
On the front foot
Being in an attacking or advantageous position.
Example: “The striker kept the team on the front foot all game.”
Keep your eye on the ball
Maintain focus on objectives.
Example: “Keep your eye on the ball, and don’t let distractions ruin your game.”
Pull off a hat trick
Scoring three goals in one match.
Example: “The forward pulled off a hat trick to secure the win.”
Hit the ground running
Start strong or with immediate impact.
Example: “New signings must hit the ground running to impress fans.”
Pass with flying colors
Complete a task successfully and efficiently.
Example: “The team passed their toughest test with flying colors.”
A game of two halves
Situations that drastically change over time.
Example: “It was truly a game of two halves; the second was completely different.”
Under the cosh
Under severe pressure.
Example: “The defense was under the cosh for the final ten minutes.”
Kick off
Start a game or event.
Example: “The match will kick off at 7 PM sharp.”
Man of the match
The best-performing player in a game.
Example: “He was named man of the match for his stellar performance.”
Put through their paces
Test or evaluate someone rigorously.
Example: “The coach put the new players through their paces in training.”
On the back foot
In a defensive or unfavorable position.
Example: “Early mistakes put the team on the back foot.”
Funny Idioms for Soccer
It’s not over till the final whistle
Don’t assume outcomes prematurely.
Example: “Remember, it’s not over till the final whistle.”
Own goal
A mistake that backfires.
Example: “Leaking that strategy was an own goal by the management.”
Ball hog
Someone who monopolizes the ball.
Example: “Pass the ball; don’t be a ball hog.”
Playing in the wrong boots
Being out of form or ineffective.
Example: “He missed so many chances; it’s like he’s playing in the wrong boots.”
Idioms for Soccer Player
Keep it simple
Play efficiently without unnecessary risks.
Example: “To perform better, just keep it simple.”
Outpace the competition
Perform faster or better than opponents.
Example: “A soccer player must train to outpace the competition.”
Turn on a sixpence
Change direction quickly.
Example: “The winger turned on a sixpence to evade the defender.”
Find your groove
Achieve a consistent and effective rhythm.
Example: “Once you find your groove, the goals will come.”
Soccer Idioms for Scoring a Goal
Hit the target
Achieve a goal or objective.
Example: “He hit the target with that stunning shot.”
Strike gold
Achieve success, particularly in scoring.
Example: “The striker struck gold in the final minutes.”
Seal the deal
Secure the outcome decisively.
Example: “That goal in injury time sealed the deal for the team.”
Right on the money
Accurate and perfectly executed.
Example: “The midfielder’s cross was right on the money for the striker.”
Idioms for Soccer and Football
Level the playing field
Create fair conditions for competition.
Example: “Equal investment can level the playing field.”
Blow the whistle
End an event or expose wrongdoing.
Example: “The referee blew the whistle on poor conduct.”
Drop the ball
Fail to take necessary action.
Example: “The goalkeeper dropped the ball on that easy save.”
Call the shots
Be in charge of decision-making.
Example: “In this game, the coach clearly called the shots.”
1. How do I use soccer idioms to improve communication on the field?
Soccer idioms simplify how players and coaches discuss strategies. For instance, phrases like “park the bus” help players understand defensive tactics instantly.
2. Can soccer idioms help me sound more confident as a coach?
Yes, using terms like “on the front foot” or “keep it simple” can show expertise and make your directions clearer to the team.
3. Why should I learn soccer idioms if I’m a beginner?
Learning soccer idioms makes it easier to connect with teammates and grasp the game’s rhythm, even if you’re just starting out.