⚾ That’s Not Cricket! A Gentleman’s Guide to Gentler Proverbs 🏏
Definition
“That’s not cricket”: (British origin) An expression denoting unfair, improper, or unsportsmanlike behavior. Essentially, not playing by the rules.
Synonyms
- Not fair
- Unsporting
- Unethical
- Below the belt 🚴
Antonyms
- Fair play
- By the book
- Above board
- Playing fair
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Foul play: Dishonest or illegal behavior.
- Out of line: Inappropriate or unacceptable behavior.
- Hitting below the belt: Acting unfairly or with undue aggression (derived from boxing).
- Skating on thin ice: Doing something risky or inappropriate that could lead to trouble.
- Crossing the line: Moving from acceptable to unacceptable behavior.
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.” – Grantland Rice (Not cricket’s tagline, but close enough!)
- “Why can’t you trust an atom? Because they make up everything – kind of like calling that outburst ‘not cricket.’”
Inspirational Proverbs
- “Fair play is primarily not blaming others for anything that is wrong with us.” – Eric Hoffer
Thought-Provoking Idea
Rethink the rules you live by. Occasionally ask yourself: Am I playing a fair game in the cricket match of life?
Literature & Cultural References
- Literature: The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens
- Movies: Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India
- Poetry: “If,” by Rudyard Kipling - This poem emphasizes virtues like fairness, patience, and composure.
- Songs: “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor (Sure, it’s boxing-themed, but the spirit of fair play resonates!)
Fun with Quizzes
Get ready to test your knowledge on idioms related to fairness and proper conduct!
### Which phrase aligns with the idea of fairness in competition?
- [ ] Cheating on the field
- [x] Playing by the rules
- [ ] Rigging the game
- [ ] Hitting below the belt
> **Explanation:** "Playing by the rules" is aligned with fairness in competition. The other phrases involve some level of dishonesty or unsporting behavior.
### What does "hitting below the belt" mean?
- [x] Acting unfairly or unethically
- [ ] Winning a competition
- [ ] Cheering for the opponent
- [ ] Playing fairly
> **Explanation:** "Hitting below the belt" refers to unfair or unethical behavior, stemming from boxing where such a hit is against the rules.
### Which phrase signifies unfair behavior?
- [x] Foul play
- [ ] Fair game
- [ ] Play it safe
- [ ] Being a good sport
> **Explanation:** "Foul play" signifies unfair or dishonest behavior, contrary to "fair game," "play it safe," and "being a good sport."
### True or False: "That's not cricket" means something is definitely correct and proper.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. "That's not cricket" means that something is unfair or improper, not correct by the rules or standards.
### Fair and square represents?
- [x] Just behavior
- [ ] Dirty tactics
- [ ] Manipulation
- [ ] Underhanded methods
> **Explanation:** "Fair and square" represents just and honest behavior, contrary to dirty tactics or manipulative, underhanded methods.
Take this daily fair-minded nugget to heart: Play fair. Cricket or not, life’s too short to be bowled out by unfair play. Until next time, keep your innings honorable and leave no room for foul play!
Published with a bow and a flourish, B. S. Bonkers
