The 2016 Rio Summer Olympics are starting. In other words “This is for all the marbles.”
Yes, Sports Cliche Week has concluded for another year. But this doesn’t mean we won’t hear them again until next summer.
On the contrary, sports enthusiasts have been accustomed to hearing cliches for many years, and they are solidly embedded in the fabric of sport culture. After all, “there is no tomorrow.”
According to a poll on www.sportscliche.com the five most overused cliches are:
“We are taking it one game at a time” (39%)
“We have to give 110 percent” (24%)
“We have to stay focused” (19%).
“We have to go out and execute” (7%).
“We have to take it to the next level” (7%)
Next time you watch a game take notice if it’s a real “pressure cooker” that goes “down to the wire.” Of course, it is certain that each team “will control its own destiny.”
Keep in mind that when a team is winning “they can’t afford to get lackadaisical” “because no lead is safe” even if they’re “hitting on all cylinders.”
On the other hand, when a team is losing they look “out of sync.” However, as long as they “maintain their composure”, and keep that “never say die” attitude, “it ain’t over “til it’s over”, especially since “stranger things have happened.”
After the game, the winners are “tickled to death” because “they came to play” and “brought their “A-game” to prove they were the better team. In other words, “they knew what they had to do” and went out and did it, although “it wasn’t pretty”.
Naturally, the losers are the first to say that “the final score is the only statistic that matters,” and “it’s a bitter pill to swallow.” Naturally, “nobody is going to point fingers,” it’s just “they wanted it more than we did.”
Once playoffs start, most teams will “face a must-win situation”, especially if they have been “behind the eight ball.” Yes, “they may be down, but they’re not out” as they try to “stave off” elimination.
“At the end of the day,” the lengthy list of sport clinches that we hear “time and time again” also include:
“You can’t stop him; you can only hope to contain him”
“Records are made to be broken”
“He’s really been in the zone”
“This team must rise to the occasion”
“He thrives under pressure”
“This team has overcome a lot of adversity”
“They play within themselves”
“This team sent a message today”
“There is no “I” in team”
And, “They’re backs are against the wall”
No question about it, I will be the last one to make excuses about the pros and cons of sports clichés.
It’s time to move on.
I just hope my comments were not taken out of context.
From the Quote Rack:
In a recent concert, Paul McCartney was joined onstage by Rob Gronkowski. When Paul went to sing ‘Jet’, he changed it to ‘Patriot.’
Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California
The Patriots’ Julian Edelman is facing a paternity suit from a Swedish model who says she is 5 1/2 months pregnant with his baby. Once again a lesson for athletes; always wear ALL your equipment.
Comedy writer Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com
Tom Brady is planning to kill time by playing “Pokemon Go” during his 4 game suspension. Why not? – those Pokemon characters are about the same height as Edelman and Amendola.
Comedy writer TC Chong of Vancouver http://alwaysfunny.com/
And in case you missed it:
According to CBS Sports, Patriots receiver Julian Edelman is dating supermodel Adrianna Lima. Now that’s a highlight-reel catch.
Comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com
Hartley Miller is the sports director and morning news anchor for 94.3 the Goat. He also is the 94.3
radio color commentator for P.G. Cougars home games.
His column appears Fridays on myprincegeorgenow.com. Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to [email protected]
Follow him on twitter: @Hartley_Miller
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