Explanation of "Foul Ball"
Definition:
In baseball, a "foul ball" is a ball that is hit by the bat but goes outside the lines that define the playing area. These lines are called "foul lines." When a ball is hit foul, it usually means the batter does not get a good chance to score a run.
Advanced Usage
In more advanced contexts, you might hear "foul ball" used metaphorically to describe situations outside of baseball where something goes wrong or doesn't go as planned.
Word Variants
Foul: This word can stand alone and refers to something that is offensive or unpleasant.
Ball: In sports, this can refer to any round object used in games.
Different Meanings
Foul (adjective): Can also mean something that is wrong, unfair, or immoral (e.g., "foul play").
Ball (noun): Besides being a sports term, "ball" can refer to a spherical object used in many games or a formal dance event.
Synonyms
In baseball, you could refer to a "foul tip" (a ball that is lightly hit and goes foul).
General synonyms for "foul" could be "bad," "unpleasant," or "offensive."
Idioms
Phrasal Verbs
While "foul ball" itself does not have a commonly used phrasal verb, the verb "foul up" means to make a mistake or mess something up.