5 English Football Phrases That Score in Business

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👋 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 was 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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📦 Want a bit of extra help?

I’ve put together a free Practice Pack to help you with this. It includes:

• ✅ A full phrase list

• ✅ Some quick tasks

• ✅ A short video presentation

  
  

👉 Click below to get the free Practice Pack

And, if you’d like to practise this in real time, with support and feedback, join us in the Business English Accelerator Course. We practise real conversations like this every day in a friendly, focused group.

Thanks for listening or reading today.🎙️ I appreciate you being here. Until next time, keep speaking up. And keep moving forward. 💬👣