ball up

1. Roll something into a ball, as in She loved to knit and was always balling up her yarn . [Early 1800s]

2. Confuse or bungle, as in Jane got all balled up at the beginning of her speech , or Henry really balled up that exam . This term may come from the fact that when a horse is driven over soft or partly thawed snow, the snow becomes packed into icy balls on its hoofs, making it stumble. Another theory is that it alludes to the vulgar term balls for testicles. [First half of 1900s]

Example Sentences

Short build-up is clearly an issue that requires addressing and compromises have had to be made in getting the ball up to the attackers.

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Captain Virgil van Dijk's long switch to forward Mohamed Salah is a great way for them to get the ball up the pitch reliably.

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An additional option to progress the ball up the pitch, without leaving extra players back, is for certain players to drop deep to collect the ball.

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The comment was disrespectful, said Ms Haley, who added that she could "feel my eyes balling up, and everything, just because it was just so deeply offensive in that moment".

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Often the long pass is played up to Rasmus Hojlund, who isn't the best at holding the ball up, resulting in a turnover.

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