🏏 Not Cricket - It’s/That’s: Unfair Plays and Unsportsmanlike Conduct 🚏
Welcome to the intriguing and whimsical world of idioms! Today, we journey back to the green fields of England to understand an idiom rooted deeply in the game of cricket: “Not cricket.”
What Does “Not Cricket” Mean?
“Not cricket, it’s/that’s” refers to something unsportsmanlike, unfair, or dishonorable. It’s an idiom that was anointed around 1867 and continued to flourish in usage, gaining prominence in the early 20th century. As with many phrases, context paints the complete picture. Generally, if someone says, “That’s not cricket!” they’re calling out behavior deemed inappropriate or unfair.
Similar Expressions and Idioms:
- Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Refers to behavior not befitting the respect and traditions of the game or competition.
- Below the Belt: A boxing term that also means hitting unfairly or using unethical methods in an endeavor.
- Dirty Play: Using devious or unfair tactics to win.
Inspiration and Variation:
- “Not in the spirit of the game”: Commonly used in the context of any sport or competition.
- “Breaking the rules”: A more straightforward expression to denote cheating or dishonesty.
Proverbs and Quotes:
- “Fair play is a hallmark of sport. Respect for officials, coaches, opponents, haters, even overzealous supporters is anchored in model sportsmanship.” 🏅 - Author Unknown
- “It’s not cheating unless you get caught…” – Anonymous prankster
Suggested Literature, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
- Books:
- Fair Play: The Ethics of Sport by Robert L. Simon
- Playing It Fair: The Fascinating History of Fair Play Across Cultures by Anne Langley
- Movies:
- Chariots of Fire (1981) - A story about atheletes and fair play.
- The Great Escape (1963) - A film about WWII prisoners and the honor among them.
- Songs:
- “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor - Perfect to get into the sportsmanship groove!
- “We are the Champions” by Queen
- Poetry:
- “If—” by Rudyard Kipling - All about maintaining one’s cool and playing fair.
Quizzes:
Remember, as long as people quest to break the molds of dishonor, fair play will sprout in the gardens of integrity. 🏆
Hasta la vista, dear reader! Cricketus J. Fairplay signing off – may your days be evergreen and your sportsmanship glitter like gold! 🌟
