What does “Curve ball” mean?
"Curve ball" means a surprising or unexpected event or situation.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The sudden rainstorm during the picnic was a real curve ball.
Example
His resignation came as a curve ball to everyone in the office.
Example
The team's decision to change their strategy at the last minute was a major curve ball for their opponents
Is “Curve ball” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Curve ball” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Curve ball” effectively in context?
You can use "Curve Ball" to describe a situation or event that catches you off guard or is unexpected. Here are three distinct situations where you can use the phrase effectively:
- 1Weather
The sudden rainstorm during the picnic was a real curve ball.
- 2Work
His resignation came as a curve ball to everyone in the office.
- 3Sports
The team's decision to change their strategy at the last minute was a major curve ball for their opponents.
Similar phrases to “Curve ball”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Curve ball” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Curve Ball" comes from baseball. In baseball, a curveball is a type of pitch that is thrown with a spinning motion, causing the ball to curve in a different direction than expected. The phrase has been adopted into everyday language to describe any surprising or unexpected event or situation.
Is “Curve ball” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Curve Ball" is a common expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe unexpected events or situations that catch people by surprise.
What tone does “Curve ball” have?
"Curve Ball" conveys a tone of surprise and unpredictability. It is used to describe situations that deviate from what was expected or planned.
Can “Curve ball” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Curve Ball" is informal and can be used in casual conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. It may also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The sudden change in plans really threw us a "curve ball".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That was a real "curve ball"!' to express surprise.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- surprise
- shock
- twist of fate
- unexpected event
- unforeseen circumstance
