eight ball

Thân thiện

A player carefully aims at the eight ball on the pool table.

Definition

Noun: 1. A black pool ball bearing the number 8: In the game of pool, specifically in versions like eight-ball, this is the black ball marked with the number 8. Its unique role defines the game's objective and rules. 2. The decisive ball in certain pool games: In standard eight-ball pool, this ball must be pocketed last to win the game; pocketing it prematurely results in a loss.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He carefully lined up his shot to sink the eight ball and win the match.
  • In eight-ball pool, you must pocket all your designated balls before you can legally attempt the eight ball.

Advanced Usage

• "Behind the eight ball": This is an idiomatic expression meaning to be in a difficult, disadvantageous, or precarious position. It originates from the idea in a different pool game where being directly behind the eight ball makes a shot very difficult.
  • After missing the deadline, the team was behind the eight ball on the project.

Variants and Related Words

• Eight-ball (noun, often hyphenated): The name of the pool game itself.
  • Do you want to play a game of eight-ball?

Synonyms

• Black ball: A descriptive synonym referencing its color.
• Game ball: In the context of eight-ball pool, it is the ball that decides the game.

Related Idioms

• "Behind the eight ball": As detailed in Advanced Usage, this is the primary idiom associated with the term.
  • With the new evidence, the prosecution found itself behind the eight ball.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a black pool ball bearing the number 8; should be the last to go in certain pool games