basement battler
English
Etymology
A metaphor, likening the lower part of the sports table to the basement of a house.
Noun
basement battler (plural basement battlers)
- (idiomatic, sports) A team in or around the relegation zone.
- 2010 December 28, Marc Vesty, “Stoke 0 - 2 Fulham”, in BBC:
- The Cottagers had previously gone eight games without a win and had slipped into the relegation zone over Christmas, with boss Hughes criticised by fans after their 3-1 home defeat by fellow basement battlers West Ham on Boxing Day.
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