Meaning
To drop the ball / To let someone down
Example
Esqueci nosso aniversário de casamento, sei que pisei na bola.
I forgot our wedding anniversary, I know I dropped the ball.
Origin
A football metaphor that moved into everyday Brazilian Portuguese in the 20th century: stepping on the ball instead of kicking it cleanly = a costly mistake that lets your team down.
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More idioms
Acertar na moscaTo guess correctly / To hit the nail on the headAmigo da onçaA fake/false friendAndar na linhaTo toe the line / To behave properlyArmar um barracoTo cause a public sceneRodar a baianaTo cause a public scene / To go ballisticArrumar sarna pra se coçarTo ask for troubleArrastar as asasTo hit on someone / To flirtAbrir o jogoTo come clean / To open upArregaçar as mangasTo roll up one's sleeves / To get to workAgarrar com unhas e dentesTo hold on for dear life / To seize an opportunity