The Open Dictionary

curveball

noun

UK/ˈkɜːv.bɔːl/
US/ˈkɝːvbɑːl/

Definitions of curveball noun

  1. Countable

    In baseball, a pitch thrown with spin that makes the ball curve as it travels towards the batter.

    • His curveball was so effective; you knew it was coming, but you still couldn't hit it.

    • He was pitching for the Braves, and he threw one of the most impressive curveballs I have ever seen.

    • His dream of playing baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals was cut short when he realized he couldn't hit a curveball.

  2. Countable

    A surprising or unexpected situation, question, or event that presents a challenge.

    • Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges at you from time to time.

    • We all know someone who is navigating an unexpected midlife crisis.

    • The damning report posed an unexpected challenge to the administration.