The phrase "puts in the hole" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /pʊts ɪn ðə hoʊl/. The first word, "puts," is pronounced with the vowel sound /ʊ/ as in "foot." The second word, "in," is pronounced with the vowel sound /ɪ/ as in "sit." The final word, "hole," is pronounced with the vowel sound /oʊ/ as in "go." Together, these sounds create the familiar phrase that refers to sinking a ball in a game of golf or billiards.
Puts in the hole refers to a term commonly used in various sports and games to describe the act of successfully scoring or completing a desired objective. The expression can have different meanings depending on the context in which it is used.
In the context of golf, to put in the hole means to successfully sink the golf ball into the cup on the green. This crucial action typically takes place when a golfer is performing a putt, which is a stroke played on the green with the intention of rolling the ball into the hole. Successfully putting in the hole is the ultimate aim of every golfer on each green, as it signifies the completion of the hole and allows them to move onto the next one.
Similarly, in games such as billiards or pool, putting in the hole refers to the successful act of sinking a ball into one of the designated pockets on the table. Players strategically aim their cue stick to pocket balls of their chosen color or type, earning them points or advantages throughout the game.
The phrase "puts in the hole" can also be used metaphorically in various contexts beyond sports or games. It can refer to successfully accomplishing a goal or completing a task, achieving a desired outcome, or making progress towards a specific objective. This figurative use of the term implies the successful completion or accomplishment of a challenging task or endeavor.