curve ball
Britishnoun
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baseball a ball pitched in a curving path so as to make it more difficult to hit
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informal something deceptive
his wholesome image was a curve ball thrown to deceive the public
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The couple have documented the "mammoth renovation" project on their Channel 4 show and said the "biggest curve ball" they encountered so far was dealing with bird poo and dry rot.
From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026
However, Belmont threw a Ye-style curve ball of his own earlier this year, when he opted to list the partially-completed home for $39 million, eventually reducing that price to $34.9 million.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 11, 2025
Connecting on a hanging curve ball, he sent his homer over the wall in left field to set off a wild celebration on the field and in the stands of Classic Park.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 1, 2024
No doubt, the renewed selloff throws a curve ball at bond investors, who have been disappointed so far after last year's record 13% losses.
From Reuters • Jul. 7, 2023
He decided to use a high curve ball over the plate and let Prince hit, trusting to luck and the players behind him.
From The Young Pitcher by Grey, Zane
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
