# bowl a googly

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/bowl-a-googly
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

to surprise (someone); to introduce (to someone) something unexpected, underhand or requiring a quick reaction or correction.

## Examples

- My boss bowled me a googly by asking for the report today.
- I thought the interview was going well until the manager bowled me a googly with a very difficult question.
- Just as the negotiations seemed settled, the opposing lawyer bowled a googly by introducing an entirely new set of demands.

## Origin

From the cricket term.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.