1. a baseball pitch that curves to one side as it approaches the batter
Usage: baseball
2. an unexpected problem or surprise that disrupts plans
Usage: informal

Examples

• The pitcher threw a perfect curveball for strike three.
• His curveball broke sharply to the left, fooling the batter completely.
• She learned to hit curveballs during spring training.
• The sudden budget cuts threw us a real curveball.
• Life has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect them.
• The new regulations were a curveball that caught everyone off guard.
• He handled the curveball interview question with confidence.