⚽ 5 English Football Phrases That Score in Business
- Tom Lockhart
- May 9
- 2 min read
Level: B2
Category: Business English
Learning Outcomes: Learn 5 football idioms used in business, understand what they mean and when to use them.
Hello Anglo Passers! Did you know that football (soccer in American English) wasn’t always about stadiums and sponsorships?
Back in mediaeval England, it was more like organised chaos, with rival villages kicking a pig’s bladder through the streets, no real rules, and the occasional fatality.
Indeed, it as so violent that in 1314, the Lord Mayor of London issued a proclamation at the request of King Edward II to stop the disorder linked to football.
It stated:
"Forasmuch as there is great noise in the city caused by hustling over large balls, from which many evils might arise, which God forbid, we command and forbid, on behalf of the King, on pain of imprisonment, that such games be used in the city in the future."
Thankfully, the modern game is a little more civilised, and its language has even made its way into the business world.
In this post, we’ll look at 5 football-inspired phrases that you can use at work. They’re all useful, and popular in English speaking companies.
1. Move the goalposts
➡️ To change the rules or conditions unfairly during a process
Example: We were nearly finished when management moved the goalposts and added two more deliverables.
2. Kick off
➡️ To start something (like a meeting, project, or campaign)
Example: Let’s kick off with some quick introductions before moving on to this morning's agenda.
3. On the ball
➡️ To be alert, prepared, and quick to react
Example: I was impressed. She was really on the ball during that client call.
4. Get the ball rolling
➡️ To begin a process or set something in motion
Example: Ok, no problem, I’ll send out the first draft this afternoon to get the ball rolling.
5. A level playing field
➡️ A fair situation where everyone has the same opportunities
Example: We need to ensure a level playing field during the interview process.
🏁 Final Whistle
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See you next time!
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