flying tackle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Sports journalism, informal commentary, metaphorical use in general informal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “flying tackle” mean?
A physical, often sudden, action in sports (especially rugby, football, or American football) where a player leaps or dives through the air to tackle an opponent, typically making contact around the waist or legs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A physical, often sudden, action in sports (especially rugby, football, or American football) where a player leaps or dives through the air to tackle an opponent, typically making contact around the waist or legs.
Any sudden, aggressive, or reckless physical intervention or attack, often done with a full-body dive, not necessarily in a sporting context. Can metaphorically describe a forceful, impulsive attempt to stop someone or something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, the term is most strongly associated with rugby union/league. In US English, it is primarily associated with American football, though it is also understood in soccer (football) contexts.
Connotations
In UK (rugby context), it may imply a risky but legitimate defensive move. In US (American football), it may imply an illegal tackle, as leaving the feet to tackle is often a penalty. Both share the connotation of a dramatic, high-effort play.
Frequency
Moderately frequent in live sports commentary and reports of those specific sports. Rare in everyday conversation outside of metaphorical use (e.g., 'He made a flying tackle to stop the kid from running into the road').
Grammar
How to Use “flying tackle” in a Sentence
[Player/Subject] made/attempted/executed a flying tackle on [Opponent/Target].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flying tackle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was sin-binned for flying-tackling the winger off the ball.
- The hooker managed to flying-tackle the scrum-half just as he passed.
American English
- The safety was penalised for flying-tackling the quarterback.
- You can't just flying-tackle a runner from behind like that.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- It was a classic flying-tackle manoeuvre.
- He received a yellow card for a flying-tackle challenge.
American English
- The referee called a penalty for a flying-tackle hit.
- It was a risky, flying-tackle attempt to stop the touchdown.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Only in metaphorical jest: 'The sales director made a flying tackle to secure the client before the competition could.'
Academic
Virtually non-existent.
Everyday
Used literally when discussing sports. Used metaphorically to humorously or vividly describe a sudden, physical attempt to stop someone/something.
Technical
Used in sports coaching, analysis, and rulebooks to describe a specific type of tackle, often with discussions of its legality and technique.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flying tackle”
- Using 'fly tackle' (incorrect). Confusing with 'flying kick' (martial arts). Using it to describe a normal, standing tackle.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Its legality depends on the sport and how it's executed. In rugby, a well-executed one is legal. In American football, tackling a player who is already down or leaving your feet to tackle can be penalised.
Yes, but it's informal and metaphorical. It vividly describes a sudden, full-body, often desperate attempt to physically stop someone or something (e.g., 'My brother made a flying tackle to stop the dog from running into the street').
A flying tackle involves leaving the feet and going through the air, often in an upright or horizontal dive. A slide tackle (in soccer/football) is usually a slide along the ground with one leg extended to knock the ball away.
No. Here, 'flying' is an adjective meaning 'done while in the air after a jump or dive' or 'moving very fast and forcefully'. It describes the method of the tackle, not a supernatural ability.
A physical, often sudden, action in sports (especially rugby, football, or American football) where a player leaps or dives through the air to tackle an opponent, typically making contact around the waist or legs.
Flying tackle is usually sports journalism, informal commentary, metaphorical use in general informal contexts. in register.
Flying tackle: in British English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈtæk.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈtæk.əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not a distinct idiom, but used literally as a set phrase]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a player FLYING through the air like a superhero to TACKLE a villain with the ball. The image combines the two words perfectly.
Conceptual Metaphor
STOPPING IS A PHYSICAL, RECKLESS INTERCEPTION; AGGRESSIVE ACTION IS AN AIRBORNE ATTACK.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is a 'flying tackle' most likely to be considered a legal and skillful play?