ENGLISH
REFERENCE

carry the ball

idiom
Meaning

To lead in terms of responsibility, initiative, or progress.


Examples
SIMPLE

You need to carry the ball on this project.

CONTEXTUAL

Since the manager is away, you will have to carry the ball and finish the report by Friday.

COMPLEX

Although the team provided initial support, it was the lead developer who had to carry the ball during the final, most difficult phase of the implementation.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    ball hog

    In team sports, a player who keeps the ball to themselves, rather than passing it.

  2. 02

    ball of fire

    A person who is especially active, ambitious, hard-working, or high-achieving.

  3. 03

    ball of malt

    A glass of whiskey.

  4. 04

    can't carry a tune in a bucket

    Sings very badly.

  5. 05

    carry a torch

    To love or to be romantically infatuated with, especially when such feelings are not reciprocated.

  6. 06

    carry away

    To be so excited that one is no longer in control of one's actions or behavior.

  7. 07

    carry coals to Newcastle

    To do something that is unneeded or redundant.

  8. 08

    carry forward

    To transfer to a new page, column, ledger, or similar entity.

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