left everything on the field

[Jiayun]

In Boston, where his campaign was based, Mr Romney congratulated the president and said he and Mr Ryan had "left everything on the field" and had given their all in the campaign.


What does "left everything on the field" mean?

Thanks!

JY

[HanibalII]

In Boston, where his campaign was based, Mr Romney congratulated the president and said he and Mr Ryan had "left everything on the field" and had given their all in the campaign.


What does "left everything on the field" mean?

Thanks!

JY

I think it means no hard feelings. But I'm unsure.

[SoothingDave]

They gave it their all. It's a sports metaphor. If you leave it all out on the field, then you have tried as hard as you can. You have no energy or strength left after the game is over because you left it all out there on the field.

[Finaweb]

In Boston, where his campaign was based, Mr Romney congratulated the president and said he and Mr Ryan had "left everything on the field" and had given their all in the campaign.


What does "left everything on the field" mean?

Thanks!

JY

It is a sporting reference and he may be recalling Vince Lombardi, the famous coach of the Green Bay Packers who said "I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious".