They took their butts off the gas pedal

This weekend, a CBS college postgame host was talking about the Alabama Crimson Tide and how the team was not playing South Florida tough in the second half. He said that “they (Alabama) took their butts off the gas pedal.” Given the context, I think this is a mashup of “take (one’s) foot off the gas” (to do something with less effort and determination) and “sit on your butt” (to be idle, especially when action is needed). Both are close in meaning, as they describe less action or even inaction. Nice visual, given butts and gas.

A tip of the hat to Tom Simon for hearing this one and sending it in!