curve ball

• Situation inattendue, surprenante ou difficile à gérer ; terme issu du baseball, où une balle courbe suit une trajectoire imprévisible.

An unexpected, surprising, or difficult situation or question that is challenging to deal with, originally derived from baseball where a curveball is a pitch that moves unpredictably.

1. Baseball pitchB2formalamerican

   A type of pitch in baseball that curves as it approaches the batter, making it difficult to hit.

   Balle courbe

   • The pitcher threw a curve ball that fooled the batter.
   • He practiced throwing curve balls for hours.
   • The curve ball is one of the most challenging pitches to master.

2. Unexpected challengeB2informalamerican

   An unexpected, surprising, or difficult situation or problem that requires quick adaptation.

   imprévu déstabilisant

   • The sudden budget cut was a real curve ball for the project.
   • Life threw him a curve ball when he lost his job.
   • The last-minute change in plans was a curve ball we didn't anticipate.