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flare pass

flare pass

7.0
A short forward pass to a player running toward the sideline in American football
  • noun
  • /flɛr pæs/
  • Jargon
translation icon : pase de flare
  • The team's strategy often includes a flare pass to exploit gaps in the defense.

Examples

  • Did you see that flare pass during the game?

  • On third down, they executed a quick flare pass to evade the defensive rush.

  • The quarterback threw a flare pass to the running back, who then sprinted down the sideline.

  • The quarterback threw a perfect flare pass to the running back.

  • The quarterback completed a quick flare pass to the running back near the sideline.

  • During practice, he perfected his flare pass to catch the defense off guard.

  • The coach emphasized the importance of executing a precise flare pass for a successful play.

Synonyms

forward pass
vsflare pass
2 3.8

A throw toward the opponent's end to move the ball downfield

is shorter and aimed near the sideline rather than for long gains
passing play
vsflare pass
  • Specialized
1 4.4

A play in American football where a player throws the ball forward to a teammate

is a single short sideline throw rather than a whole play of throws
flare
vsflare pass
  • Jargon
1 7.3

A short forward pass toward the sidelines to a moving back

means the same action and is the specific term used for that play
spot pass
vsflare pass
  • Jargon
5.7

A throw that aims the ball at a planned place for the receiver to catch

is aimed to a moving sideline back rather than to a fixed spot

Surface Forms

flare pass singular
flare passes plural

Morphology

flare + pass

The term is a straightforward compound in which 'pass' (an act of sending the ball) is specified by 'flare' (a quick forward pass toward the sideline); the overall meaning is directly built from the constituent senses. Although it is sports-specific jargon, its sense is compositional and therefore understandable to a learner who knows both words.

Etymology

The noun flare pass comes from the picture of a player 'flaring' out toward the sideline while the quarterback makes a short pass. Because flare means moving out and pass is a short throw, the phrase means 'a short forward pass made to a back running toward the sidelines'.