1
general::
Phrase(s): carry the ball
1. Lit. to be the player who is relied on to gain yardage, especially in football. • It was the fullback carrying the ball. • Yes, Tom always carries the ball. 2. Fig. to be in charge; to be considered reliable enough to make sure that a job gets done. • We need someone who knows how to get the job done. Hey, Sally! Why don’t you carry the ball for us? • John can’t carry the ball. He isn’t organized enough.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Take charge, advance a cause, as in In our lab any of the assistants can carry the ball. This usage comes from such sports as football, where the ball-carrying player gives the team yardage or a touchdown. By the early 1900s it was being transferred to other endeavors.
American Heritage Idioms