English Idioms from Cricket

Cricket is a popular bat and ball game played mainly in England and countries that were formerly in the British Empire such as India, Pakistan, Australia, South Africa and Caribbean countries that form "The West Indies" team. A game of cricket can last up to 5 days so don't go and watch it if you're in a hurry. However, there are also 1 day versions of the game (though these are frowned upon by purists).

Do NOT confuse cricket with croquet (Lord! how many times have I heard that happen). Just to be sure here is a video of highlights of a cricket game.



Cricket has also left its mark on the language here are 5 common English phrases originating from the game of cricket.

1. To bowl over
meaning: To be astonished, greatly surprised and excited, left speechless.
Example: I saw U2 live in concert last month and I was bowled over by their performance.
meaning in cricket: You bowl (throw) the ball at the wicket (sticks) if you hit them the batsman must leave the field.

2. To hit for six
Meaning: To be deeply shocked or hurt (by someone/thing)
Example: When my wife left me it really hit me for six.
Meaning in cricket: To hit the ball over the boundary without it bouncing on the ground (which gets six runs (points).

3. A sticky wicket
Meaning: A difficult situation
Example: "We only have 20 pounds to last us 'til the end of the month",
"Yes, it's a sticky wicket".
Meaning in cricket: The wicket area (ground in fround of the stumps) has become sticky due to rain making in difficult to play on.

4. It's not cricket
Meaning: to play unfairly or against the rules of fair play (cricket has a reputation as a gentlemen's game played by honest people).
Example: "In order to get the job he lied about his experience and criticised the other candidates,"
"Yes, it's not cricket"

5. To stump (to be stumped)
Meaning: to have no idea, to be confronted by a problem you can't find the solution to.
Example: The exam was going well until they asked me a question about the Russian Revolution and I was completely stumped.
Meaning in cricket: To remove the bails in a game meaning the batsman is out (has to leave the game).