throw a curve

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: curve, 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: curve, 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: curve, throw