General
bottled it
What does bottled it mean?
To collapse under pressure and blow a lead or a title that looked secure.
"They were eight points clear and completely bottled it."
Origin
British slang; 'bottle' means nerve/courage, so to 'bottle it' is to lose one's nerve.
Frequently asked questions
What does bottled it mean in football?
It means to choke under pressure and throw away a strong position, such as blowing a big lead or a title that looked secure.
Where does the phrase bottle it come from?
In British slang 'bottle' means nerve or courage, so to 'bottle it' is to lose your nerve at the crucial moment.
What is a bottlejob?
It is a mocking noun for a team or player seen as habitual chokers who repeatedly collapse when it matters most.
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