curveball

[ˈkərvbɔːl]

curveball Definition

• 1. a pitch in baseball that is thrown with a strong downward spin, causing the ball to curve in flight
• 2. a 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

Synonyms for curveball

• surprise
• twist
• turn
• unexpected event

Phrases with curveball

• throw someone a curveball

  to surprise or deceive someone with an unexpected action or statement

  Example

  The interviewer threw me a curveball when she asked about my weaknesses.

• curveball question

  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.

• curveball approach

  an unconventional or unexpected way of doing something

  Example

  The new coach took a curveball approach to training, which led to some surprising results.

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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.