# bat for the other team

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/bat-for-the-other-team
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be homosexual.

## Examples

- He told me he bats for the other team.
- I was surprised when he mentioned he bats for the other team, but I am happy he feels comfortable sharing that with me.
- While the rumors had circulated for years, he finally confirmed that he bats for the other team during a candid conversation with his closest friends.

## Origin

First appearing in print c. 1990, the expression is an analogy derived from the sporting mechanics of cricket or baseball. It relies upon the basic structural requirement of these games that a player belongs to one side or the other, rather than both.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.