lateral pass
LowTechnical (Sports), Informal (Metaphorical)
Definition
Meaning
In American football and rugby, a pass thrown sideways or backwards relative to the direction of the offensive team's advance (distinguished from a forward pass). The ball does not move toward the opponent's goal line.
Any action or decision that transfers responsibility or an object sideways to a peer rather than forward to a new stage or backward. Metaphorically used in business or project management.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is strongly domain-specific to North American sports (primarily American and Canadian football). In rugby, the equivalent action is simply called a 'pass', as forward passes are illegal. The metaphorical extension is recognizable but not common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the term is understood primarily in the context of American football coverage. In rugby (more common in the UK), a lateral pass is just a 'pass', as all passes must be lateral or backward. The metaphorical use is rarer in British English.
Connotations
In American English, it carries specific technical sports connotations. In British English, it may sound like an Americanism.
Frequency
Significantly more frequent in American English due to the cultural prominence of American football.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The quarterback threw a lateral pass to the running back.They lateraled the ball to avoid the sack.The play ended with a lateral.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Hail Mary lateral (a desperate, last-attempt lateral play)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical: 'The manager made a lateral pass of the client issue to a colleague in another department instead of escalating it.'
Academic
Rare, except in sports science or literature analyzing sports metaphors.
Everyday
Very rare outside of sports discussions or specific metaphorical use.
Technical
Standard term in American football rulebooks and commentary.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The rugby player lateralled the ball just before being tackled.
American English
- The quarterback lateraled the ball to the receiver to keep the play alive.
adverb
British English
- He passed the ball laterally to avoid the defender. (Note: 'laterally' is used, not 'lateral pass' as an adverb)
American English
- The ball was lateraled quickly to the sideline.
adjective
British English
- The lateral pass play was ruled illegal due to a forward movement.
American English
- They ran a clever lateral pass scheme on the final down.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In American football, you can throw the ball sideways. This is a lateral pass.
- The player caught the lateral pass and ran for ten more yards.
- The controversial lateral pass in the final seconds of the game was reviewed by the officials.
- Critics accused the committee of merely executing a lateral pass of the controversial policy decision rather than addressing its root causes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think LATERAL = to the SIDE. A LATERAL PASS goes sideways, not forward.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROJECT ADVANCEMENT IS FORWARD MOVEMENT / DELEGATION IS PASSING. A lateral pass represents avoiding forward progress to share responsibility laterally.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'латеральный пас' as it is not a standard Russian sports term. In rugby/American football context, use 'поперечная передача' or simply 'передача' (for rugby). The metaphorical use would need explanation.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'lateral pass' to describe a forward pass. Confusing it with a 'handoff' (which is a direct hand-to-hand exchange, not a throw).
Practice
Quiz
In which sport is the term 'lateral pass' most precisely and commonly used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A handoff involves physically handing the ball to another player. A lateral pass involves throwing the ball sideways or backwards.
Yes. If a player catches a lateral pass, they can continue to run and score a touchdown, as the play remains live.
Often yes. If dropped, it is a live fumble that either team can recover. It is often used in desperate, last-second situations.
In rugby, all passes must be lateral or backward. A 'forward pass' is illegal. So while the action is constant, the specific term 'lateral pass' is less emphasized than in American football.