throw a curveball

USAGE SUMMARY

"throw a curveball" is a correct and common expression in spoken and written English.
It can be used in various contexts, but it is often used in sports or in situations where someone is surprised or caught off guard. Example: "The pitcher threw a curveball that completely fooled the batter and struck him out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Throw a curveball.

The New York Times - Sports

And you know how I learned to throw a curveball?

The New York Times - Sports

There are several ways to throw a curveball.

The Guardian - Tech

And you never know who will show up, midseason, to throw a curveball into the mix.

The Washington Post

He taught me how to type, throw a curveball, use chopsticks and shave.

The New York Times - Magazine

If he could throw a curveball like Koufax, Bacsik said, he would be truly successful.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Then he threw a curveball.

The New Yorker

You're constantly being thrown a curveball".

The New York Times - Tech

The Herons are throwing a curveball.

The Guardian - Books

Then he throws a curveball away which evens the count.

The Guardian - Sport

He threw a curveball to Ivan Rodriguez that reminded him.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "throw a curveball" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly establishes whether the surprise is intended to be beneficial, neutral, or detrimental to the recipient. This avoids ambiguity in your message.

Common error

Avoid using "throw a curveball" when the surprise is a simple oversight or mistake. The phrase implies a deliberate action, often with the intention to challenge or disrupt, not just an accident.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "throw a curveball" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It's used to describe the action of introducing an unexpected element or surprise into a situation, often to challenge or disrupt. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Reference

6%

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "throw a curveball" is a common idiom used to describe introducing an unexpected change or surprise, often with the intent to challenge or disrupt. Grammatically correct and widely accepted, as Ludwig AI confirms, it frequently appears in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts like Wiki articles. When employing this phrase, it's important to ensure the context makes clear whether the surprise is meant to be positive, negative, or neutral. Related phrases include "introduce a surprise element" and "deviate from the expected path". While versatile, avoid using "throw a curveball" to describe unintentional mistakes, as it implies a deliberate action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

introduce a surprise element

Focuses on the act of introducing something unexpected, downplaying the deception aspect of a curveball.

spring a surprise

Highlights the element of surprise, suitable when the aim is to startle or delight.

present an unexpected challenge

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the surprise, suitable when the unexpected event creates difficulty.

blindside

Emphasizes the unexpected and negative impact on the recipient.

deviate from the expected path

Highlights the departure from the anticipated course of action.

alter expectations

Highlights how the unexpected change affects what others thought was going to happen.

change the plan unexpectedly

Directly refers to altering a plan, lacking the subtlety of "throw a curveball".

rock the boat

Describes an action that disrupts the status quo, often with negative consequences.

do something out of the ordinary

Focuses on unconventional behavior, broader than the specific concept of a curveball.

shake things up

Indicates a desire to create change and excitement, without necessarily implying deception or malice.

FAQs

How can I use "throw a curveball" in a sentence?

You can use "throw a curveball" to describe introducing an unexpected element or surprise. For example: "The company decided to "introduce a surprise element" into their marketing campaign to attract more customers."

What does it mean to "throw a curveball" in business?

In business, "throw a curveball" often means to introduce an unexpected strategy, product, or change that disrupts the current market or challenges competitors. It is similar to "altering expectations".

What's a situation where it's not appropriate to use "throw a curveball"?

It's not appropriate to use "throw a curveball" when describing a simple mistake or unintentional error. The phrase implies a deliberate and strategic action, like "introduce a surprise element", not an accident.

Are there negative connotations to using the phrase "throw a curveball"?

Yes, "throw a curveball" can have negative connotations because it implies deception or manipulation. Consider alternatives like "shake things up" or "deviate from the expected path" if you want to avoid potential negative interpretations.