throw someone a curve en · VERB
Etymology
From the curve ball in baseball, where a spin is employed to adjust the path of the ball unexpectedly.
Meanings
- Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: To pitch a curve ball.
-
(figuratively) To surprise; to introduce something unexpected or requiring a quick reaction or correction.
He really threw me a curve when he asked me a personal question at work.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| thrown someone a curve | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| throw someone a curveball | alternative | lexicographic | |
| throws someone a curve | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic | |
| threw someone a curve | Tense=Past | lexicographic | |
| throwing someone a curve | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic |
Relateds
throw for a loop · bowl a googlie
Translations (6)
es pescar en curva (a alguien) (to surprise with something unexpected) · de überrumpeln (to surprise with something unexpected) · pl dać zagwozdkę (to surprise with something unexpected) · pl podkręcić piłkę (pitch a curve ball) · pl podkręcać piłkę (pitch a curve ball) · pl dawać zagwozdkę (to surprise with something unexpected)