curve (redirected from curve balls)

curve to something

to bend or bow toward something, some direction, or some place. The road curved to the left. One of her toes curves to the right.

pitch someone a curve(ball)

Fig. to surprise someone with an unexpected act or event. (Referring to a curve-ball in baseball. It is the route of the ball that is curved, not the ball itself. See also throw someone a curve(ball).) You really pitched me a curveball when you said I had done a poor job. I did my best. You asked Tom a trick question. You certainly pitched him a curve.

See also: pitch

throw someone a curve 

1. Lit. to pitch a curveball to someone in baseball. (See pitch someone a curve(ball).) The pitcher threw John a curve, and John swung wildly against thin air. During that game, the pitcher threw everyone a curve at least once.

2. Fig. to confuse someone by doing something tricky or unexpected. When you said "house" you threw me a curve. The password was supposed to be "home." John threw me a curve when we were making our presentation, and I forgot my speech.

See also: throw

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throw (somebody) a curve (ball)  (American & Australian informal)

to surprise someone with something that is difficult or unpleasant to deal with The weather threw a curve at their barbecue and they had to eat indoors.

See also: throw

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throw somebody a curve also throw a curve at somebody

to surprise someone with a problem or something unexpected Bill threw me a curve by asking me to go to the theater with him instead of a hockey game.

Usage notes: also used in the form throw someone a curveball

Etymology: from the curve in baseball (a type of throw to the person at bat that does not travel in a direct route )

See also: throw