- a variation of curveball.
curve ball
Britishnoun
-
baseball a ball pitched in a curving path so as to make it more difficult to hit
-
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
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
With an 11th-hour curve ball that would surely make Logan Roy smirk, “Succession” creator Jesse Armstrong revealed the drama’s upcoming fourth season will be its last.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 23, 2023
Between innings the manager talked in low tones with Kennedy, who was catching, seeking to discover why Williams seemed wild and what was the matter with his curve ball.
From Jimmy Kirkland and the Plot for a Pennant by Hugh S. Fullerton
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.