(a) curveball
Meaning(s)
1. something unexpected that causes confusion or disruption
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
throw a curveball and upset the apple cart
Analysis
A 'curveball' is a noun meaning something which is unexpected, unplanned for and disruptive usually 'a curveball' refers to something negative which disrupts a plan. You can 'throw a curveball' or 'encounter a curveball'. This phrase is similar in meaning to 'throw a spanner in the works."
Social Examples (Basic)
- Sometimes, just when it seems as though things are going well, life can throw you a curveball. When that happens, it's important to be tenacious and not let things affect you.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- The sudden drop in the company's share price was a real curveball. It happened without any warning signs and made investors anxious.
- On Friday evening, just when we were finishing up for the week, the boss threw us a curveball by saying that he needed us all to come into the office on Saturday.