General
game of two halves
What does game of two halves mean?
A cliche for a game in which the pattern flips at the break, one team bossing the first half and the other the second.
"Classic game of two halves — we bossed the first, they bossed the second."
Origin
British commentary cliche.
Frequently asked questions
What does a game of two halves mean?
It describes a match in which the pattern flips at the interval, with one team dominating the first half and the other taking control in the second.
Why is game of two halves a cliche?
Because pundits use it so often to explain any shift in momentum after half-time that it has become a well-worn commentary phrase.
Is game of two halves used figuratively?
Yes, outside sport it describes any situation or period that changes sharply in character partway through.
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