Punting on
First Down is a term that means to squander an ample opportunity, or to not attempt an endeavor at all. Punting on
first down is (usually) a waste of your other 3 chances to move the ball in football. By
punting you have forfeited those other 3 downs and given the ball directly back over to the opposing team.
"I knew Jim would
punt on first down, when he didn't even ask
Pam out, even though she
made it obvious she was into him."