The term 'DROPS THE BALL' can be broken down into four crossword solutions: ERRS (4 letters), BOBBLES (7 letters), MUFFS (5 letters), and SLIPSUP (7 letters). ERRS is a verb meaning to make a mistake or commit an error. BOBBLES is a verb meaning to fumble or mishandle something. MUFFS is a verb meaning to fail to catch or hold onto something. SLIPSUP is a verb meaning to make a mistake or fail to do something correctly. All of these words are related to the phrase 'DROPS THE BALL', which is an idiom meaning to make a mistake or fail to do something correctly.