What Does "Play the Ball and Not the Man" Mean?
"Play the ball and not the man" is an English idiom. It means "to focus on the issues or content of a discussion or argument rather than attacking or criticizing the person involved."Examples in Sentences
Here are three examples of the idiom "play the ball and not the man" used in a sentence:- During the debate, they emphasized the importance of playing the ball and not the man, maintaining a respectful tone.
- In constructive feedback sessions, it's crucial to play the ball and not the man to facilitate growth and understanding.
- Political discussions can become unproductive when individuals resort to personal attacks instead of playing the ball.
What Is an Idiom?
An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Play the Ball and Not the Man" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.
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