throw somebody a curve

      English

      Etymology

      From the curve ball in baseball which uses a spin on the ball to adjust the path of the ball unexpectedly.

      Verb

      throw (somebody) a curve

      1. (baseball) Used other than as an idiom: To pitch a curve ball.
      2. (idiomatic) 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.

      Translations

      See also

      Last modified on 18 June 2013, at 00:27