IdiomDaily Life
English
Englisha whole different ball game
Meaning: A completely different situation.
Example: “Teaching kids to swim is fine; teaching adults is a whole different ball game.”
Origin: American sports language, as if switching to a different game with different rules. It is common from the late 20th century.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Une autre paire de manches Literally: Another pair of sleeves
More English idioms
- elbow grease Hard physical work, especially scrubbing or polishing.
- have a heavy heart To feel sad or burdened.
- in one's heart of hearts In one's deepest private feelings.
- promise the moon To promise something impossible to deliver.
- Indian summer A period of warm weather in autumn; also a late, happy period in life.
- an old hand Someone with long experience at something.
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