Here are some words and phrases you can hear on languagecaster’s Good, Bad and Ugly section of the podcast – a review of the footballing news. For more English practice check out our worksheets, football glossary and English for football phrases.
- Unbeaten run: When a team does not lose a game for a while
Example: Chelsea’s 86-match unbeaten run at home was broken by Liverpool last week.
- Morale boosting: To help someone or something improve, to help the confidence
Example: Liverpool had a morale-boosting win over Chelsea last weekend.
- To be fired: To be sacked, to lose their job
Example: Juande Ramos was fired by Tottenham after a disastrous start to the season.
- To cap it off: When all is said and done, on top of everything else (usually positive)
Example: To cap it all off, Tottenham are planning to build a new stadium – a good week.
- To turn the corner: To improve (slightly)
Example: Tottenham are unbeaten in two matches – maybe they have turned the corner this season?
- Hats off: To admit that someone has done well, admire
Example: Damon said ‘hats off’ to Joey Barton for performing well this week.
- Inspired: An amazingly good choice, very positive
Example: I think Maradona’s appointment as manager of the Argentinian team is an inspired decision.
- To hack it: To be able to work under pressure
Example: Damon does not think that Maradona can hack it as manager of Argentina.
- Powerhouse: A very strong team
Example: Argentinian powerhouse River Plate are last in the Apertura campaign.
- The foot of the table: To be last, at the bottom
Example: Tottenham are still at the foot of the Premier League table.
- To be jeered: To be booed, to shout negative things at a player.
Example: Joey Barton was jeered by Sunderland fans as he warmed up last week.
- To be incensed: To be extremely angry
Example: Diego Simeone was so incensed at his team’s performance that he broke his hand.
- A dug out: The place where the coach and substitutes sit during the game.
Example: Diego Simeone broke his hand after punching the dug out as his team failed to win yet again.
- A Derby: A match between two local rivals
Example: The north-east derby between Sunderland and Newcastle is always a tense affair.
- To cover in glory: To act in a good way
Example: Sunderland fans did not cover themselves in glory after invading the pitch against Newcastle.
