Meaning & use
throw curveball
Last updated
Meanings
phraseidiomfigurative
To surprise someone with an unexpected problem or event that is difficult to deal with.
Grammar: Usually used as 'throw someone a curveball' or 'throw a curveball at someone'.
Patterns
- throw someone a curveball
- throw a curveball at someone
- life threw a curveball
The pandemic threw a curveball at our wedding plans.
Just when I thought I had the job, they threw me a curveball with a surprise test.
Losing our main supplier really threw a curveball at the project.
phraseidiomsport
In baseball, to pitch a ball that curves as it approaches the batter.
Grammar: Literal sports use; often 'throw a curveball' without an object.
Patterns
- throw a curveball
- throw someone a curveball
The pitcher threw a curveball that fooled the batter completely.
He can throw a curveball for a strike when he needs to.
Common combinations
- throw someone a curveball
- The boss threw us a curveball by moving the deadline up a week.
- life throws a curveball
- Life throws a curveball when you least expect it.
- throw a curveball at someone
- They threw a curveball at the team by changing the rules mid-game.
- a real curveball
- The sudden resignation was a real curveball for the company.
Synonyms and how they differ
Commonly confused: throw curveball or throw a ball?
throw curveball vs throw a ball
This just means to toss a ball; 'throw a curveball' specifically means to surprise someone with a problem.
Practice
What does it mean if someone throws you a curveball?
Choose one answer.
Option 1 is correct because the idiom means an unexpected and difficult challenge. Option 0 is wrong because a curveball is usually negative, not a gift. Option 2 is too literal; the phrase is figurative in most contexts. Option 3 is only one possible negative event, but the idiom is broader than just cancellations.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “throw curveball”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.