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balls

n. · v. · adv.
US //ˈbɔɫz// UK //bˈɔːlz// balls
  1. 1 testicles (n.)
    C1 Advanced Vulgar Slang Medicine

    a vulgar word for a man's testicles.

    a vulgar anatomical reference to the testicles.

    Example

    He was doubled over in pain after getting hit in the balls.

    Example

    The athlete wore a protective cup to prevent any serious injury to his balls during the contact sport.
  2. 2 courage (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Vulgar

    the courage or confidence to do something difficult or dangerous.

    a metaphorical use denoting bravery, audacity, or strength of character.

    Example

    It took a lot of balls to tell the boss that he was wrong.

    Example

    The junior analyst showed real balls by challenging the CEO's strategy during the annual general meeting.
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  1. 3 nonsense (n.)
    C1 Advanced British English Vulgar Slang

    something that is stupid, untrue, or complete nonsense.

    used to dismiss a statement as false, absurd, or worthless.

    Example

    Don't listen to him; he's talking absolute balls.

    Example

    The politician's explanation for the missing funds was dismissed by the press as complete and utter balls.
  2. 4 a mistake (n.)
    C1 Advanced British English Informal Vulgar

    a situation where something has been done very badly or ruined.

    a botched job or a significant error; often used in the phrase 'a complete balls of something'.

    Example

    I made a real balls of that exam because I didn't study enough.

    Example

    The contractor made a total balls of the kitchen renovation, leaving the plumbing disconnected and the tiles uneven.
  3. 5 to mess up (v.)
    C1 Advanced British English Informal Vulgar

    to ruin something or do it very badly.

    to bungle or botch a task; usually used as the phrasal verb 'balls up'.

    Example

    Try not to balls it up this time; we only have one chance.

    Example

    If the marketing team balls up this launch, the company stands to lose millions in potential revenue.
  4. 6 very (adv.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang Vulgar

    used to mean 'very' or 'extremely' to make an adjective stronger.

    an intensifier used before adjectives to indicate a high degree.

    Example

    It is balls out cold today, so make sure you wear a hat.

    Example

    The engine was running balls out as they tried to reach the finish line before the storm broke.
Idioms14 entries

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