play the ball and not the man
idiomTo object to someone's argument by attacking the argument itself instead of them or a facet of their personality; to avoid or make the opposite of an ad hominem attack. Usually considered a positive action, and an avoidance of a fallacious argumentative technique. Often used in comparison to play the man and not the ball.
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ball hog
In team sports, a player who keeps the ball to themselves, rather than passing it.
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ball of fire
A person who is especially active, ambitious, hard-working, or high-achieving.
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ball of malt
A glass of whiskey.
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be a man
To put up with something or take responsibility for it; to deal with something, such as pain or misfortune, without complaining.
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be one's own man
To behave independently without the influence of others.
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be the bigger man
To walk away from a conflict to prevent it from escalating.
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boldly go where no man has gone before
To break new ground.
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broken man
A man who has suffered significant and enduring emotional pain as a result of a highly unpleasant or traumatic event.