ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wait for the ball to drop

idiom
Meaning

To wait in expectation of an occurrence.


Origin

disputed origin

An allusion to the Times Square Ball, and perhaps other time balls.

Examples
SIMPLE

We wait for the ball to drop at the New Year party.

CONTEXTUAL

The crowd stood in the cold square, waiting for the ball to drop to celebrate the start of the year.

COMPLEX

As the final seconds of December ticked away, the gathered thousands held their breath, waiting for the ball to drop and signal the arrival of a new era.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a short drop and a sudden stop

    A fall to one's death by hanging.

  2. 02

    ball hog

    In team sports, a player who keeps the ball to themselves, rather than passing it.

  3. 03

    ball of fire

    A person who is especially active, ambitious, hard-working, or high-achieving.

  4. 04

    ball of malt

    A glass of whiskey.

  5. 05

    can't wait

    To eagerly anticipate; to find it hard to wait for a forthcoming pleasurable event.

  6. 06

    carry the ball

    To lead in terms of responsibility, initiative, or progress.

  7. 07

    don't drop the soap

    Used as a mockery to someone who is about to be or should be confined in prison.

  8. 08

    drop a bollock

    To make a mistake.

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