throw somebody a curveball

throw (one) a curveball

To do something unexpected or deceptive that surprises, confuses, thwarts, or outwits one. A curveball is a pitch in baseball intended to be difficult to hit due to its curving path. Primarily heard in US. The end of that trick always throws the audience a curveball. I love watching their faces as they desperately try to figure it out. It really threw Stu a curveball when Olivia announced she was leaving the company.

See also: curveball, throw

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

throw somebody a ˈcurveball

(American English) surprise somebody with a problem, situation, question, etc. that they do not expect and which is difficult to deal with: Just when you think you have it all under control, life throws you a curve ball.

In baseball, a curveball is a ball that is difficult to hit because it does not move in a straight line.

See also: curveball, somebody, throw

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