curve ball

• Неожиданная, удивительная или сложная ситуация или вопрос, с которыми трудно справиться; термин происходит из бейсбола, где кручёный мяч летит по непредсказуемой траектории.

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.

   Кручёный мяч

   • 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.

   Неожиданная трудность

   • 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.