Definition of throw (someone) a curve/curveball
: to present (someone) with a difficult and unexpected problem, situation, question, etc.
The reporter threw the candidate a curve by asking about his past drug use. Recently, Mother Nature threw us a curveball in the form of a 50-degree day in the middle of January.— Molly Cavanaugh The sea will throw you a lot of curves, so versatile navigation gear is a must.— Advertisement
Learn More about throw (someone) a curve/curveball
Dictionary Entries near throw (someone) a curve/curveball
throw (someone) a curve/curveball
See More Nearby EntriesStatistics for throw (someone) a curve/curveball
Look-up Popularity
Cite this Entry
“Throw (someone) a curve/curveball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/throw%20%28someone%29%20a%20curve%2Fcurveball. Accessed 19 Apr. 2021.
Style: MLA
MLA
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Comments on throw (someone) a curve/curveball
What made you want to look up throw (someone) a curve/curveball? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
The Exceptions Quiz III
-
- Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share throw (someone) a curve/curveball