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English Idioms about "Sports"

Curveball

English Idiom

Meaning: A curveball is an unexpected or surprising occurrence that can change the course of events. It often requires quick thinking and adaptability to handle effectively.
Origin: The idiom 'curveball' originates from the game of baseball, where a curveball is a pitch that suddenly changes direction, making it difficult for the batter to hit. Over time, this term was adopted into everyday language to describe any unpredictable event or situation that requires quick adaptation.
Dynamic baseball scene with players hitting a flying ball in a stylized stadium setting showcasing sports action
OpenAI's DALL-E generated image

Examples

  • The sudden resignation of the CEO threw a major curveball at the company's strategic plans.
  • Life can throw you a curveball when you least expect it, so it's crucial to stay adaptable.
  • Her unexpected illness was a curveball that forced the team to rethink their project deadlines.
  • When the weather turned unexpectedly stormy, it was a curveball that ruined our outdoor wedding plans.
  • Getting laid off just before the holidays was a curveball I didn't see coming.
  • The professor threw a curveball by adding an extra chapter to the syllabus the night before the exam.
  • The new software update, full of bugs, was a curveball that the tech team had to address immediately.
  • His last-minute decision to move abroad was a curveball that left his friends and family in shock.
  • The plot twist in the novel was a curveball that kept readers on the edge of their seats.
  • Receiving a surprise inheritance was a curveball that dramatically changed her financial situation.