# carry the ball

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/carry-the-ball
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- 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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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.