TagSports terminology

circus save

circus save n. a spectacular or unorthodox sports move that prevents an opponent from scoring. Editorial Note: This is related to circus catch, which Paul Dickson, with Barry Popik’s help, traced back to 1886 in his 1999 New Dickson Baseball...

stick the landing

stick the landing v. phr. to finish an athletic, gymnastic, or other sports performance with an ideal pose or stance, especially after a jump or leap; (hence, also outside of sports) to do or finish well; to win. Editorial Note: This term is part of...

foot fault

foot fault n. in jurisprudence, a minor criminal or procedural violation; a legal misstep. Etymological Note: This is a direct borrowing from net-based sports, such as tennis, badminton, and volleyball, where a foot fault is the placement of a foot...