Idioms for curve

    ahead of/behindthe curve, at the forefront of (or lagging behind) recent developments, trends, etc.
    throw (someone) a curve,
    1. to take (someone) by surprise, especially in a negative way.
    2. to mislead or deceive.

Origin of curve

1565–75; (< Middle French) < Latin curvus crooked, bent, curved

OTHER WORDS FROM curve

British Dictionary definitions for curve ball (1 of 2)

curve ball

noun

baseball a ball pitched in a curving path so as to make it more difficult to hit
informal something deceptive his wholesome image was a curve ball thrown to deceive the public

British Dictionary definitions for curve ball (2 of 2)

curve
/ (kɜːv) /

noun

verb

to take or cause to take the shape or path of a curve; bend

Other words from curve

Related adjective: sinuous

Derived forms of curve

curvedly (ˈkɜːvɪdlɪ), adverb curvedness, noun curvy, adjective

Word Origin for curve

C15: from Latin curvāre to bend, from curvus crooked

Medical definitions for curve ball

curve
[ kûrv ]

n.

A line or surface that deviates from straightness in a smooth, continuous fashion.
Something characterized by such a line or surface, especially a rounded line or contour of the human body.
A curved line representing variations in data on a graph.

v.

To move in or take the shape of a curve.

Scientific definitions for curve ball

curve
[ kûrv ]

A line or surface that bends in a smooth, continuous way without sharp angles.
The graph of a function on a coordinate plane. In this technical sense, straight lines, circles, and waves are all curves.

Idioms and Phrases with curve ball

curve

see throw a curve.