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throw somebody a curveball
[throw] {sb} a curve ballto throw somebody a curveball
01
to introduce a surprising or unexpected element or challenge into a situation
![to [throw] {sb} a (curveball|curve) definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/46139/original/?type=jpeg "to [throw] {sb} a (curveball|curve) definition and meaning")
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "throw someone a curveball" and when to use it?
The idiom "throw someone a curveball" originates from baseball, where a curveball is a pitch that suddenly changes direction as it approaches the batter, making it challenging to predict and hit. This expression is often used when someone is faced with a situation that catches them off guard or requires them to adapt quickly.
Example
In the game of chess, my opponent threw me a curve by making an unusual move I didn't anticipate.
She thought the job interview would be straightforward, but they threw her a curveball with a tricky problem-solving task.
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