carry the ball
To lead in terms of responsibility, initiative, or progress.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“You need to carry the ball on this project.”
“Since the manager is away, you will have to carry the ball and finish the report by Friday.”
“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.”
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ball hog
In team sports, a player who keeps the ball to themselves, rather than passing it.
- 02
ball of fire
A person who is especially active, ambitious, hard-working, or high-achieving.
- 03
ball of malt
A glass of whiskey.
- 04
balls of steel
Courage, audacity.
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balls to the wall
With maximum effort or commitment.
- 06
bust one's balls
To work very hard; to put in a lot of effort.
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can't carry a tune in a bucket
Sings very badly.
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carried away
Made excessively emotional or excited, so that one goes too far.
Last updated August 10, 2026