The origins of a hatrick

The term "hatrick" originally honoured a bowler who, having taken three wickets with three successive balls, was rewarded with a new hat. I should think a few had guessed that already!

That is just one of the idioms derived from cricket. To name just a few, we have:
to be or to bat on a sticky wicket
to be hit for six
off one's own bat
it's just not cricket

The dictionary of idioms by Linda & Roger Flavell covers various sports along with all the other every day idioms. You can buy it from Amazon by clicking here. And if you would like to read some of the fascinating stories behind our favourite idioms before you buy, you can take a peak inside the book here.