quarterback
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the player in American football who directs the team's attack and throws the ball.
n.the offensive backfield player who initiates play, typically receiving the snap and either handing off, running, or passing the ball.
Simple“The quarterback threw a long pass to the end zone in the final seconds of the game.”
In context“After the star quarterback suffered a knee injury, the team struggled to execute their complex offensive strategy during the playoffs.”
UsageOften used as a modifier before another noun, such as 'quarterback sneak' or 'quarterback rating'.
Synonymssignal caller - 02 C1 Advanced
v.to lead or manage a group of people or a complicated project.
v.to direct, lead, or coordinate a collective effort or complex operation.
Simple“She was chosen to quarterback the new marketing campaign because of her great organization skills.”
In context“The senior partner was brought in specifically to quarterback the merger, ensuring that all legal and financial departments remained aligned throughout the transition.”
Teacher's tipThis figurative use is very common in American corporate environments to describe project management.
SynonymsAntonyms
From quarter + back, in reference to the position in front of the halfback position.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.