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

Tomalak, who completed 15 of 20 passes for 176 yards and carried the ball four times for 63 yards, changed the course of the game with her 14th interception of the season. — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Workhorse back Hugo Kemeni-Djeumeni carried the ball 36 times for 243 yards and a TD for the Elis (3-2). — From Staff Reports, Hartford Courant, 17 Oct. 2026

Seven different Rebels carried the ball, and nine different Rebels caught at least one pass. — ABC News, 10 Oct. 2026

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