Curveball: meaning, definitions and examples

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curveball

 

[ ˈkɜːrvbɔːl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

baseball

A pitch that is thrown with a strong downward spin causing it to swerve downward and to the side.

Synonyms

breaking ball, hook

Examples of usage

  • The pitcher threw a curveball that left the batter swinging at air.
  • She couldn't hit the curveball because it broke sharply down and away from her.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A surprising or unexpected event or situation.

Synonyms

shock, surprise, twist

Examples of usage

  • The sudden resignation of the CEO was a real curveball for the company.
  • His offer to pay for everything was a total curveball.
Context #3 | Noun

figurative

A deceptive action or statement intended to trick someone.

Synonyms

deception, ploy, trick

Examples of usage

  • Her explanation sounded plausible, but it turned out to be a curveball to throw off suspicion.

Translations

Translations of the word "curveball" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bola curva

🇮🇳 कर्वबॉल

🇩🇪 Kurvenball

🇮🇩 bola lengkung

🇺🇦 крива куля

🇵🇱 krzywa piłka

🇯🇵 カーブボール

🇫🇷 balle courbe

🇪🇸 bola curva

🇹🇷 eğri top

🇰🇷 커브볼

🇸🇦 كرة منحنية

🇨🇿 zakřivený míč

🇸🇰 krivá lopta

🇨🇳 弯球

🇸🇮 krivina žoga

🇮🇸 bogabolti

🇰🇿 иілген доп

🇬🇪 მრუდე ბურთი

🇦🇿 əyri top

🇲🇽 bola curva

Word origin

The term 'curveball' originated in baseball, where it refers to a pitch thrown with a spinning motion that causes it to curve. Over time, the term has been adopted in informal and figurative contexts to describe surprising or deceptive events. The concept of a 'curveball' has become synonymous with unexpected twists and turns in various aspects of life.

See also: curvaceous, curved, curving, curvingly.