ball game

NOUN

how things stand

Synonyms

WEAK

big picture full particulars ins and outs lay of the land the score whole picture

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Selling homes is a whole different ball game, and you have to bring something to the table.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

Max Williamson held up, Italy ball, game over.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

Because I think if we fall short of that, that’s the end of the ball game.

From Slate • Oct. 15, 2025

That, to be blunt, is the whole ball game.

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2025

We couldn’t play a real ball game, and we hadn’t gotten to Four-Cornered Cat yet.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck