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dropped the ball vs sadly dropped the ball

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Dropped the ball' is a common expression meaning to make a mistake or fail to do something, while 'sadly dropped the ball' adds an emotional tone to the mistake. The addition of 'sadly' emphasizes the feeling of disappointment or regret.

Last updated: March 22, 2024

dropped the ball

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate making a mistake or failing to do something.

This phrase is used to express the idea of making an error or failing to meet expectations in a particular situation.

Examples:

I really dropped the ball on that project.
She dropped the ball by forgetting to send the important email.
The team dropped the ball in the final minutes of the game.
Don't drop the ball on this opportunity.
He tends to drop the ball when it comes to meeting deadlines.

Show examples from the web [+]

We dropped the ball a little bit on that one.
But I've been so busy with Ewing Energies I kind of dropped the ball.
I feel like I've dropped the ball on this whole college thing, so we really need to get ahead of the game, and not just with the PSATS.
- and I dropped the ball.
To me, that just means we dropped the ball.
This is where I dropped the ball.
Told me I dropped the ball.
I really dropped the ball on those whales, though.
It's my bad, I dropped the ball.
You just dropped the ball big time.
I dropped the ball with a patient, too.
You really dropped the ball, man.
- Sounds like the feds dropped the ball again.
I had a lot on my plate, but I dropped the ball on this one.
Your mother died... and I... dropped the ball.
Art: Because for 30 years, this office dropped the ball on apprehending a federal fugitive that was collecting a draw check.
You know, I really hope nobody dropped the ball on this case.
Looks like Homeland and the FBI dropped the ball... on not seeing this San Antonio thing coming down earlier.
Because he has a strong suspicion that you dropped the ball on the Lender project.
A retired cop, who had never fired his weapon, kills 2 men 'cause I dropped the ball.

Alternatives:

made a mistake
failed to deliver
messed up
blew it
missed the mark

sadly dropped the ball

This phrase is correct and adds an emotional tone to the mistake, emphasizing feelings of disappointment or regret.

This phrase is used when you want to convey a sense of sadness or regret about making a mistake or failing to do something.

Examples:

She sadly dropped the ball on the important presentation.
He sadly dropped the ball by not following through on his promises.
The team sadly dropped the ball in the championship game.
I sadly dropped the ball on my responsibilities.
They sadly dropped the ball on the project deadline.

Show examples from the web [+]

- and I dropped the ball.
To me, that just means we dropped the ball.
This is where I dropped the ball.
Told me I dropped the ball.
I really dropped the ball on those whales, though.
It's my bad, I dropped the ball.
But I've been so busy with Ewing Energies I kind of dropped the ball.
You just dropped the ball big time.
I dropped the ball with a patient, too.
You really dropped the ball, man.
- Sounds like the feds dropped the ball again.
I had a lot on my plate, but I dropped the ball on this one.
Your mother died... and I... dropped the ball.
You dropped the ball, Vivian.
Art: Because for 30 years, this office dropped the ball on apprehending a federal fugitive that was collecting a draw check.
You know, I really hope nobody dropped the ball on this case.
Looks like Homeland and the FBI dropped the ball... on not seeing this San Antonio thing coming down earlier.
Because he has a strong suspicion that you dropped the ball on the Lender project.
We dropped the ball a little bit on that one.
A retired cop, who had never fired his weapon, kills 2 men 'cause I dropped the ball.

Alternatives:

regrettably failed
unfortunately messed up
disappointingly missed the mark
sorrowfully blew it
mournfully made a mistake

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