let the side down

let the side down

To fail to conduct oneself in a way that helps or reflects well on one's group; to let down the group. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. I'm rubbish at football, so I'd rather not play than let the side down.
See also: down, let, side
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

let the side down

see under let someone down, def. 1.
See also: down, let, side
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

let the side down

BRITISH
If you let the side down, you disappoint people by doing something badly or by doing something which they do not approve of. The workers are the best in the world — it's management who let the side down. You have to play your best at all times — you really don't want to be the one that lets the side down. Note: A side is one of the teams in a game or competition.
See also: down, let, side
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

let the side down

fail to meet the expectations of your colleagues or friends, especially by mismanaging something. British
See also: down, let, side
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

let the ˈside down

(especially British English) fail to give your friends, family, etc. the help and support they expect, or behave in a way that makes them disappointed: Everyone in the sales team has increased their sales except you. You’re letting the side down badly.
See also: down, let, side
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • ginger group
  • in with, be
  • be in with (someone)
  • be/keep in with somebody
  • Mr Big
  • Mr. Big
  • you guys
  • a paid-up member, etc.
  • card-carrying member
  • member
References in periodicals archive
He disappointed when dropped back to seven furlongs on soft ground at Ascot over seven furlongs last October, and let the side down when trailing in seventh over seven at Kempton in November.
Brownsea on Brink of Ascot victory; Hannon colt can sink Victoria Cup rivals
The ride and handling don't let the side down as a super suspension protects the driver from the worst humps and hollows while also giving the Golf a decent performance on twisty country roads.
S club heaven
He let the side down, the club down and the Kop down.
Masch made me cringe
Only Collette's slightly watery sauce and some of my salad veg, cut surprisingly inelegantly, let the side down. After a busy day out, our children wolfed down either pizza with chips or chicken with chips.
Night Life: Quality costs... but it's worth it; Review Bar THE TALBOT, HARTIE ROAD, BELBROUGHTON
Charlie Lister sent out some of his big guns for this event, and GEORDIE PARKER and Clash Harmonica haven't let the side down, booking their places with ease.
Dog Racing: BROUGH PARK TV8
"However, although Wrexham has dropped one place, licence dodgers have still let the side down and are the biggest losers, as they face stiff penalties if caught without a valid TV licence.
Down dodgers' league of shame
But there are enough weak singles (Star Guitar, Let Forever Be and The Test) to let the side down.
CD Reviews: The Chemical Brothers -Singles 93-03 (Virgin)
AIT is very annoying when people seem to let the side down, especially when the rest of the world can view the jungle.
Dear Wendy: Neighbour's jungle garden a disgrace
GOLDEN girl Lizzy Yarnold let the side down as Team GB's Olympic medal winners went to Downing Street yesterday.
Please don't laugh, Lizzy, it will only encourage him.
Even though it was nothing to do with me, I felt I'd let the side down. I consider myself Welsh rather than British.
I LOVE OUR COMMUNITY SPIRIT; SIAN WILLIAMS
Boss Watson admits Moogan let the side down that day and has now challenged him to return to the side after suspension and fire Southport towards the Blue Square North title.
'Loose cannon' must deliver - Watson; SOUTHPORT
Brother and sister James and Catherine Pellet, of Huddersfield, showed they weren't about to let the side down, with 16-year-old James scooping first place and 14-year-old Catherine achieving fourth place.
Club bowlers scoop national honours
There are always some who let the side down when the Welsh are abroad.
Rugby Union:
When spuds are this paper-scraping good, only a fish of equal merit can nail an ultra-rare fifth star but the batter let the side down. Can't wait to try again, though!
Cheap As Chips; SEASPRAY A3400, Henley-in-Arden VERDICT: ****
Park, with late withdrawals, had to bring in Ian Kennedy ahead of schedule after injury at stand-off, but he did not let the side down.
Coast keeps Caldy on course; Caldy ...........25 Birkenhead Park....6