Need some help, nothing major

I'm taking a linguistics class, and I have to write a paper on how language represents the culture of the country where it is spoken. I am using American English and our use of sports sayings to show our sports mania. So far I can think of:

All star
Throw in the towel
3 strikes you're out
Knock-out
Go for the gold
Champ
Out in left field
The ball's in your court

Any others you can think of? Thanks!!

How about how baseball is used in terms of dating. Getting to 1st, 2nd, 3rd or a HR?

I'll try to think of more!

Hit the showers?

Out for the count

How about "tackling" a problem? Or, "That was a slam dunk"? "(T.)K.O"?
The Republicans'/Democrats'/Green Party's line-up"?

Three strikes, you're out is used a couple of ways. There is the Three strikes law in many states where if you get convicted of 3 felonies in a row You're OUT! Life in prison. And many people use the saying "three strikes and you're out" for many situations like relationships etc.

How about "Playing for the other team".

Playing the field!

Batting a thousand
Skating on thin ice
Touch base
Win by a nose
Stadium seating (in movie theaters!)

putting around

Getting revved up. (auto racing)

On the ropes. (boxing)

Going for the gold. (Olympics)

Getting kayoed (KO'd, boxing)

Jumping the gun. (Foot and horse racing)

Wow, y'all are awesome! I never would have thought of some of those. Thanks!

How about how religion and patriotism are so interconnected with sports in America -- that certainly is relevant to culture and would be interesting to explore!