carry the ball
To assume the leading role, do most of the work

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

carry the ball
[American]
to take control of an activity and do what is needed to get a piece of work done.
The people who carried the ball for his campaign were mainly volunteers.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

carry the ball
to be in charge of something (from carry the ball in American football)
The vice-president was forced to carry the ball while the president was away.

The director decided to let his assistant carry the ball on the assignment for the new sale's contract.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

carry the ball
v. phr., informal To take the most important or difficult part in an action or business.
None of the other boys would tell the principal about their breaking the window, and John had to carry the ball.
When the going is rough, Fred can always be depended on to carry the ball.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲