12

2 Hall is the odd one out as it is an indoor venue.

3 Suspend is the odd one out as it refers to a player not being allowed to play in the game because of a
misdemeanour.
4 Runner-up is the odd one out because it describes someone who has come second and is not a winner.
5 Examiner is the odd one out because it is not used for sports.
6 Feat is the odd one out because it is not something which stops you achieving your goal.
7 Defeat is the odd one out as it does not refer to a way of preparing for a game.
8 Lineup is the odd one out as it refers to the grouping of a team and not sports clothing.

14

1 mediocre/pedestrian/world-class performance
2 undisputed/reigning/world champion
3 comfortable/well deserved/consecutive win

17

1 play ball - cooperate

2 the ball rolling - start smth happening
3 jumped the gun - smth is done before the right time
4 off his own bat - on his own initiative
5 bad sport - someone who doesn’t cope well with difficult situations/doesn’t like to lose
6 ball’s in your court - it’s your responsibility
7 beat him at his own game - gain an advantage by using the methods another person has used against
them
8 two can play at that game - I can use the same method
9 a level playing field - everyone has the same opportunities
10 leads the field - is the biggest/most important

18

1 put down to - attributed to, to be explained by

2 ran away with - won easily (decisively)
3 put in – (expend) spend time and effort
4 run into - met/encountered, to reach, to amount to
5 put up – to provide
6 run over/through - repeat and check, to look over or check sth quickly, to explain
7 run to - amount to
8 put on - produce, present

19

1 The manager put the case for buying new players.

2 Minutes before the World Cup final, feelings/emotions were running high amongst the fans of the
opposing teams.
3 After six games in two weeks, the team began to tire and ran out of steam.
4 The fans are putting all their faith in the club’s new manager.
5 The organisers apologised for the fact that the events were running late.