n.
a symmetrical curve representing the normal distribution

ahead of behind the curve Idiom, Proverb

throw a curve

confuse, deceive, surprise Dad threw a curve at me when he asked if he could borrow $1000.

throw sb a curve

Idiom(s): throw sb a curve

Theme: CONFUSION

to confuse someone by doing something unexpected.
• When you said "house" you threw me a curve. The password was supposed to be "home."
• John threw me a curve when we were making our presentation, and I forgot my speech.

pitch sb a curveball

Idiom(s): pitch sb a curve(ball)

Theme: SURPRISE

to surprise someone with an unexpected act or event. (Informal. Referring to a curveball in baseball. It is the route of the ball that is curved, not the ball itself.)
• You really pitched me a curveball when you said I had done a poor job. I did my best.
• You asked Tom a hard question. You certainly pitched him a curve.

Curve ball

(USA) If something is a curve ball, it is deceptive.

pitch a curve|a curve ball|ball|curve|curve ball|p

v. phr. To catch someone unawares; confront someone with an unexpected event or act. My professor pitched me a curve ball when he unexpectedly confronted me with a complicated mathematical equation that was way over my head.

throw a curve|curve|throw

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.

curve

curve
see throw a curve.

More Idioms/Phrases

curry curse curtain curtain raiser curtains for, be. curve cusp custody customer