DictionarySports slang

Sold

Definition

Made a costly mistake or performed so poorly that it caused a team to lose.

Example
Missing both free throws at the end sold the game.
How it is used

Fans say a player sold when one mistake or bad stretch appears to ruin the outcome.

Origin and context

The slang comes from selling or throwing a game, implying that a player gave away the result.

Common variations

sold the game

Directly caused or heavily contributed to a loss.

hard sold

An intensified accusation of a major mistake.

game-selling play

A play viewed as costing the team the game.

Frequently asked questions
What does Sold mean?

Made a costly mistake or performed so poorly that it caused a team to lose.

How is Sold used?

Fans say a player sold when one mistake or bad stretch appears to ruin the outcome.

Where did Sold come from?

The slang comes from selling or throwing a game, implying that a player gave away the result.

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In serious trouble, exhausted, embarrassed, defeated, or beyond recovery.

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