The manager is rolling the pitch for the upcoming budget cuts.
roll the pitch
idiomPreparing audiences for an unpopular change.
Origin
disputed originThe phrase comes from its use in the game of Cricket where the pitch is rolled before a match.
Before announcing the new office rules, the director spent weeks rolling the pitch to ensure the staff would not be too upset.
By leaking small details about the restructuring, the executive effectively rolled the pitch for the radical policy changes that would soon follow.
- 01
call roll
To make a roll call; to take attendance.
- 02
dice roll
Something unpredictable or unexpected.
- 03
fever pitch
Extreme excitement.
- 04
heads will roll
Some people will be fired for incompetence.
- 05
pitch in
To help out; lend assistance; contribute; to do one's part to help.
- 06
queer someone's pitch
To make a task more difficult for someone.
- 07
ready to roll
Of a person, machine, vehicle, or plan, fully prepared to begin functioning and operating.
- 08
roll back the years
To produce a sense of nostalgia.