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Glite Dictionary
to steal a base

to steal a base

1 5.8
To run to the next base while the pitcher throws the ball without a hit or mistake
  • phrasal verb
  • Jargon
translation icon : robar una base
  • You've got to stay alert for every opportunity to steal a base and put your players in scoring position.
  • runner steals a base
  • try to steal a base
  • stole a base and scored

Examples

  • You've got to train a lot to steal a base like that.

    Killer Waves 2 (2020)

  • I think he's capable of stealing a base...

    White Sands (1992)

  • Bay seems to be a genuinely nice guy, and he was a lot of fun to watch during his prime when he was a threat to go deep, take a walk, or steal a base any time he wanted.

    Blog text (28)

  • "Their catchers have thrown out exactly one of the last 43 opponents who have tried to steal a base against them."

    Blog text (5)

  • Their catchers have thrown out exactly one of the last 43 opponents who have tried to steal a base against them.

    Blog text (5)

  • "If I get a good jump, I can steal a base."

  • The runner who stole a base scored a run 25 out of 64 times, a 39 percent ratio.

Antonyms

to stay
∞ 1.0

To remain in one place and not leave

Surface Forms

steal a base infinitive
stealing a base present participle
steals a base third person singular
stole a base past
stolen a base past participle

Morphology

steal + a + base

The combination of 'steal' (to take without permission) and 'base' (a runners' station in baseball) allows a learner to infer a general sense of taking or advancing to a base, so the core meaning is partly derivable from the constituents. However, the precise, rule‑based nuance of doing this during a pitch (without a hit or error) is domain-specific and not fully predictable without baseball knowledge, so it is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Steal a base uses the image of steal (to take quietly) and base (the safe bag on the field): a runner slips from one base to the next while the pitcher is throwing the ball. That's why it means 'to advance to the next base while the pitcher is throwing the ball' without a hit or an error.