Sports
Throw in the towel
To give up.
"If they don't accept our offer this time we are going to throw in the towel and look at houses elsewhere."
Boxing
To get off the hook
To escape, have responsibility removed.
"The child got off the hook for stealing because the security camera was broken."
Fishing.
Learn the ropes
To learn or understand new things.
"During the first week on the job, you will just be learning the ropes."
Sailing
Hit below the belt
To do or say something that is very unfair or cruel.
"Amanda was hitting below the belt when she called Adrian an unfit father."
Boxing/other combat sports.
On the ropes
Close to losing or in trouble.
"The army claims the rebels are on the ropes."
Boxing
The ball is in your court
It's your decision or responsibility to do something now.
"Do you think I should accept the job offer?"
"Don't ask me. The ball is in your court now".
Tennis
Blindsided
To not see something coming.
"George blind-sided Eric with his fist at the bar."
(American) football.
Step up to the plate
To do the honorable thing, take responsibility, or do what needs to be done.
"It's time you stepped up to the plate and apologized for your mistake."
Baseball
Out of someone's league
When someone or something is too good or expensive for someone to have.
"I'd like to date Maria, but I'm afraid I'm out of her league."
Any team sport
Wildcard
Something or someone unpredictable.
"The joker is a wild card."
Gambling
Jump the gun
To start too early.
I guess I jumped the gun by buying Pam and Steve a wedding gift. They called off the engagement.
Track.
Take the bull by the horns
Accept the challenge and try your hardest.
"Even though this new job will mean relocating, I think you should take the bull by the horns for once."
Bullfighting
Saved by the bell
When something happens at the last possible moment that allows you to escape from a difficult situation.
"I couldn't prevent myself from explaining her absence any longer, but then Jill showed up and I was saved by the bell.”
Boxing
The home stretch
Almost the end.
"I think Alice's pregnancy is in the home stretch."
Baseball/Horse racing
At this stage of the game ...
At this time.
"Nobody knows who is going to win the election at this stage in the game."
Used in any sport.
Hotshot (big shot)
An important or very successful person.
"All the hot shots from Silicon Valley were invited to meet the president."
Hunting
Shot in the dark
A guess.
"I was lucky to pass the quiz. All my answers were shots in the dark."
Hunting
Chip in
To help by donating money or time.
"The staff members chipped in 5 dollars each to buy Jody a birthday gift."
Gambling
On the rebound
When someone has just been broken up with and they immediately jump into another (unfulfilling) relationship.
"I was on the rebound when I met Jack"
Basketball
Take a rain check
To accept at a later time.
"Sorry, I can't go to the movies today, but I'd love to take a rain check."
Baseball
Not playing with a full deck
To not have total brain capacity.
I think Jerry was still drunk at work on Sunday because he wasn't playing with a full deck.
Cards.
Out of left field
Strange, very unconventional; completely wrong.
"All of the students laughed when Joe gave an answer that was out in left field."
Baseball
Par for the course
An expected circumstance or outcome.
"Waiting in line is par for the course at Christmas time."
Golf
Take the wind out of one's sails
To make someone feel deflated.
"I think I took the wind out of Angela's sails when I told her she was a terrible singer."
Sailing
To be off base
Not making a fair or true remark.
"You were way off base when you said Bill needed to lose weight."
Baseball