It’s Not Cricket: The Unsportsmanlike and Unfair in Life and Language 🏏😒
“Not playing the game” or “it’s not cricket” is a phrase derived from the sport of cricket, famously suggesting an action is unsportsmanlike, unfair, or dishonorable. Let’s funnily and fascinatingly dive into this expression and its close companions in the dictionary of clichés.
Similar Terms, Proverbs & Expressions 🗣️
- Not kosher
- Below the belt
- Unsporting
- Foul play
- Breaking the rules
- Dirty pool
- Underhanded tactics
Synonyms 🎭
- Unfair
- Dishonorable
- Deceptive
- Dastardly
Antonyms 🔄
- Fair play
- Sportsmanship
- Honorable action
- Above board
Humor-Filled Quotes 💬
- “All’s fair in love and cricket.” - Anonymous
- “In cricket, they say ‘play fair’. In business, we say ‘find the loophole’.” - A savvy entrepreneur
- “When someone cheats at cricket, the wicket gets sticky with suspicion.” - Cricketing Philosopher
Related Proverbs 📖
- “A fair exchange is no robbery.”
- “Play the game, don’t aim to shame.”
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies 📚🎶🎥
- Book: “Beyond a Boundary” by C.L.R. James (A fascinating blend of cricket and social commentary)
- Movie: “Lagaan” (An inspiring depiction of an epic cricket match)
- Song: “Cricket” by Peter Cincotti (For a jazzy take)
- Poetry: “A Cricketer’s Journal” by Anonymous (Collects funny, heartfelt cricket moments)
Quizzes: Are You Playing Fair? 🤔
### Which of these is an idiom about unfair play?
- [x] It's not cricket
- [ ] It's raining soup spoons
- [ ] Swimming with starfish
- [ ] Milking the cat
> **Explanation:** "It's not cricket" is an idiom implying unfair or dishonorable play. The others? Sorry, but they don’t hit the pitch!
### Which idiom signifies underhanded tactics?
- [ ] Hoping on the lily pad
- [x] Below the belt
- [ ] Lighting the clouds
- [ ] Running with gazelles
> **Explanation:** "Below the belt" refers to tactics that are unfair or underhanded, much like an illegal low blow in boxing.
### True or False: 'Playing fair' means engaging in cheating.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** "Playing fair" means maintaining honesty and sportsmanship, the polar opposite of cheating.
### Which phrase indicates playing by the rules?
- [ ] Breaking the bars
- [x] Playing by the book
- [ ] Flying under fences
- [ ] Swimming sideways
> **Explanation:** "Playing by the book" means adhering to rules and regulations without bending them.
Farewell Thought 💭
“Life’s too short to not play fair. After all, winning at the cost of integrity is the greatest loss of all.”
- E. Fairplayington
Inspirational Thought-Dreamer and Author
