{"id":10012,"date":"2022-10-06T19:15:11","date_gmt":"2022-10-06T19:15:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/?p=10012"},"modified":"2022-10-06T19:15:11","modified_gmt":"2022-10-06T19:15:11","slug":"win-one-for-the-gripper-meaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/win-one-for-the-gripper-meaning\/","title":{"rendered":"Win One For The Gripper \u2013 Meaning, Origin and Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are a few confusing expressions out there and win one for the gripper is one of them. If you are curious about what this idiom actually means, or if you just want to learn how to use it correctly, we can help. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.<\/p>\n

Meaning<\/h2>\n

The meaning behind win one for the gripper is to win or complete something to honor another person. The phrase came about in an interesting fashion, which we will discuss later in the post. However, if you are looking to give someone encouragement, or spur them towards a goal, saying win one for the gripper is a good way to do it. The phrase is used in movies to trigger emotion and convey a sense of longing for those who have passed away.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Notre Dame fans and Regan fans alike have been known to use win one for the gripper in conversation. The phrase was a political slogan commonly used by Pres. Regan in which he encourages action on his behalf. It is also used in sports quite often as a way to inspire the team to perform well in honor of those who are no longer able to play.<\/p>\n

Example Usage<\/h2>\n

\u201cWe are down to the final innings here team, let\u2019s knock it out of the park and win one for the gripper\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know the other team has a large book of plays, be we have heart. Let\u2019s win one for the gripper and show them what we are about\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere comes a time when you have to man up and show your country pride, arm yourselves, and let\u2019s win one for the gripper.\"<\/p>\n

\u201cI know we are in a tight race, but let\u2019s win one for the gripper and secure our place on the election docket\u201d.<\/p>\n

Origin<\/h2>\n

The phrase win one for the Gripper can be traced back to the University of Notre Dame. In 1928, Knute Rockne gave an encouraging speech during the halftime break. That year was the worse season his team had experienced to date and he was looking for a way to inspire them to pay more effectively. One of the best players in Notre Dame History was George Gipp, tragically he passed away before his time at the age of 25. It is said that his last words were that he wants his team to win on his behalf. Knute used the phrase \u2018win one for the Gipper\u201d in his speech, which cemented its place in history. The phrase was further infused into American culture when Ronald Reagan used the phrase during a movie about George Gipp.<\/p>\n