There’s a national day or week to celebrate just about everything, and sports clichés are no exception. From July 11th through the 17th feel free to appreciate, or sarcastically question, all the overused phrases that fill dull moments in the broadcast booth, post-game interviews, and office team-building events. Here’s a few ripe with trite that John Madden or Bill Walton would feel right at home broadcasting.
“There’s no ‘I’ in ‘team’”
Used to promote teamwork over personal gain; so widespread that the intended message is always drowned by the stale term.
“Someone needs to step up and make a play.”
Used to motivate a potential leader when players are underperforming, and/or when immediate results are needed.
“…give 110%…”
Phrases including 110%, as it relates to effort, are incredibly overused may worsen moral before improving it.
“Just taking it one game at a time.”
This gem is uttered to the media after a loss in every sports locker room across the country. Replace ‘game’ with ‘day’ and you have a cliché psychiatrist mantra.
“Defense wins championships.”
While good ‘D’ is a pinnacle strategy of successful teams, this phrase really needs to be retired. Side-note: The exception is the 2000 Baltimore Ravens; their defense alone almost won them a Super Bowl.
“They just wanted it more.”
In certain circumstances it does communicate effort over talent; however, it’s far too tired and feels like it’s dropped at every close game.
“Play our/your game”
A cheesy way to remind players not to get swept up with the other team’s strategy and/or talent.
“Records are made to be broken”
Sports writers are the most egregious offenders of overusing this line. While more applicable to individual sports, this continues to be the go-to for both print and broadcast media.