carry the ball

phrase

: to perform or assume the chief role : bear the major portion of work or responsibility

No one else is available to make the arrangements, so it's up to you to carry the ball.

Examples of carry the ball in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Gateway junior Nydrell Thigpen has carried the ball 71 times for 557 yards and 6 TDs. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026

The Lions carried the ball 33 times for 165 yards and two touchdowns, and Jared Goff was only sacked once. — CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026

Van Ginkel carried the ball to the 1-yard line, setting up a touchdown plunge from Jordan Mason. — Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Seven Aggies carried the ball and nine receivers caught a pass. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for carry the ball

• autosomal
• cholesterol
• ergosterol
• lysosomal
• microsomal
• mycorrhizal
• neanderthal
• resorcinol
• ribosomal
• salbutamol
• aerosol
• alcohol