curve ball
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A baseball pitch thrown with spin: A "curve ball" is a type of pitch in baseball where the ball is thrown with a specific spin, causing its path to deviate or "curve" as it travels toward the batter, making it harder to hit.
Usage
- The term is used primarily in the context of baseball to describe a specific, deceptive pitching technique.
- It can also be used metaphorically in general conversation to describe an unexpected problem, trick, or difficult question.
Examples
- Literal (Baseball):
- The pitcher's best pitch is a sharp curve ball that breaks downward.
- He struck out swinging at a curve ball that looked like a fastball.
- Metaphorical:
- The interviewer threw me a curve ball with a question about a topic I hadn't prepared for.
- Life often throws you a curve ball when you least expect it.
Advanced Usage
- "to throw someone a curve ball": This is a common idiomatic expression meaning to present someone with a surprising and often difficult challenge or problem.
- The new regulations really threw the project team a curve ball.
- "a real curve ball": Used to emphasize that something is a genuine surprise or complication.
- His sudden resignation was a real curve ball for the company.
Variants and Related Words
- Curveball: A common alternative spelling, often used as a single word, especially in metaphorical contexts.
- That news was a total curveball.
- Breaking ball: A broader baseball term for any pitch that moves or "breaks" unexpectedly, which includes curve balls, sliders, and knuckleballs.
Synonyms
- Deceptive pitch (Baseball context).
- Surprise, shock, unexpected twist (Metaphorical context).
Related Idioms
- "Throw a curve (ball)": As described in the advanced usage, this is the primary idiom associated with the term.
- I thought the meeting would be straightforward, but the client threw us a curve right at the end.
Noun
- a pitch of a baseball that is thrown with spin so that its path curves as it approaches the batter