throw a curve
throw (someone) a curve (ball)
[American & Australian, informal]
to surprise someone with something that is difficult or unpleasant to deal with.
The weather threw a curve at their barbecue and they had to eat indoors.

throw (someone) a curve
to surprise someone with a problem or something unexpected.
Bill threw me a curve by asking me to go to the theater with him instead of a hockey game.

Usage notes: also used in the form throw someone a curveball
Etymology: from the curve in baseball (= a type of throw to the person at bat that does not travel in a direct route )
throw (someone) a curve
to surprise someone with a problem or something unexpected.
Bill threw me a curve by asking me to go to the theater with him instead of a hockey game.

Usage notes: also used in the form throw someone a curveball
Etymology: from the curve in baseball (= a type of throw to the person at bat that does not travel in a direct route )

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

throw a curve
1. • throw (someone) a curve
to confuse someone by doing something unexpected, to pitch a curve ball to someone in baseball; to mislead or deceive someone
The lawyer threw the witness a curve with his very complex questions.

The purchasing manager threw us a curve when he said that he would not need any of our products until next year.

2. • throw/pitch someone a curve
pitch a curve in baseball, confuse someone by doing something unexpected
My friend threw me a curve when he changed the dates of our plan to go on a holiday together.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

throw a curve
v. phr., slang, informal
1. To mislead or deceive someone; to lie.
John threw me a curve about the hiring.
2. To take someone by surprise in an unpleasant way.
Mr. Weiner's announcement threw the whole company a curve.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

throw someone a curve
throw (someone) a curve (ball)
[American & Australian, informal]
to surprise someone with something that is difficult or unpleasant to deal with.
The weather threw a curve at their barbecue and they had to eat indoors.

throw (someone) a curve
to surprise someone with a problem or something unexpected.
Bill threw me a curve by asking me to go to the theater with him instead of a hockey game.

Usage notes: also used in the form throw someone a curveball
Etymology: from the curve in baseball (= a type of throw to the person at bat that does not travel in a direct route )
throw (someone) a curve
to surprise someone with a problem or something unexpected.
Bill threw me a curve by asking me to go to the theater with him instead of a hockey game.

Usage notes: also used in the form throw someone a curveball
Etymology: from the curve in baseball (= a type of throw to the person at bat that does not travel in a direct route )

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

throw someone a curve
1. • throw (someone) a curve
to confuse someone by doing something unexpected, to pitch a curve ball to someone in baseball; to mislead or deceive someone
The lawyer threw the witness a curve with his very complex questions.

The purchasing manager threw us a curve when he said that he would not need any of our products until next year.

2. • throw/pitch someone a curve
pitch a curve in baseball, confuse someone by doing something unexpected
My friend threw me a curve when he changed the dates of our plan to go on a holiday together.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲