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Phrase(s): pitch someone a curve(ball)
Fig. to surprise someone with an unexpected act or event. (Referring to a curveball in baseball. It is the route of the ball that is curved, not the ball itself. See also throw someone a curve(ball).) • You really pitched me a curveball when you said I had done a poor job. I did my best. • You asked Tom a trick question. You certainly pitched him a curve.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs