Idiom
play a blinder
Meanings
To perform outstandingly well; to do a brilliant job.
Definition
To do something extremely well and achieve a great result.
If someone plays a blinder, they perform exceptionally well, often in a way that surprises people. It is frequently used for sport, work, or any situation where someone excels under pressure. The expression is especially common in British English and is informal.
Examples
- She played a blinder in the interview and got the job on the spot.
- Our goalkeeper played a blinder and kept a clean sheet.
- He played a blinder on stage despite being ill.
- They played a blinder in the second half and turned the game around.
Common mistake
Learners often use it for luck alone, but it means performing very well (not just getting a good result by chance).
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something you were responsible for.
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a relaxed, friendly chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of what you have done or a difficult situation.