curveball Definition
- 1a pitch in baseball that is thrown with a strong downward spin, causing the ball to curve in flight
- 2a surprising or unexpected event or situation
Using curveball: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "curveball" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The pitcher threw a curveball that fooled the batter.
Example
The sudden resignation of the CEO was a real curveball for the company.
Example
I thought I had everything planned out, but life threw me a curveball.
curveball Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with curveball
Example
The interviewer threw me a curveball when she asked about my weaknesses.
a difficult or unexpected question that is designed to test someone's knowledge or ability
Example
The professor always asks curveball questions on his exams.
Example
The new coach took a curveball approach to training, which led to some surprising results.
Summary: curveball in Brief
The term 'curveball' [ˈkərvbɔːl] has two main meanings. In baseball, it refers to a pitch that curves in flight due to a strong downward spin. In everyday usage, it denotes a surprising or unexpected event or situation, as in 'The sudden resignation of the CEO was a real curveball for the company.' 'Curveball' can also be used in phrases like 'throw someone a curveball,' meaning to surprise or deceive someone, and 'curveball question,' referring to a difficult or unexpected question.