Carry the ball
verb
To take on a responsibility or a task.
With the manager out sick, someone else will need to carry the ball, and keep the project moving.
Often appears as...
- carry the ball for someone
- carry the ball on this
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To advance or make progress, especially in sports like football or rugby, by holding or controlling the ball.
The team's strategy was to carry the ball downfield as quickly as possible.
Often appears as...
- carry the ball downfield
- quarterback will carry the ball
Usage tips
Colloquial,Technical
verb
To take on a responsibility or a task.
With the manager out sick, someone else will need to carry the ball, and keep the project moving.
Often appears as...
- carry the ball for someone
- carry the ball on this
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To advance or make progress, especially in sports like football or rugby, by holding or controlling the ball.
The team's strategy was to carry the ball downfield as quickly as possible.
Often appears as...
- carry the ball downfield
- quarterback will carry the ball
Usage tips
Colloquial,Technical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Taking Initiative
Used when someone proactively takes charge without being prompted by others.
When the community event was in disarray, Maria decided to carry the ball and organized the volunteers.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literally
It's a metaphor and doesn't involve physically carrying anything.
After the CEO retired, Jenna had to carry the ball and lead the company.
Pro Tip 3/3Leadership Quality
Often implies leadership qualities or readiness to step up.
With the captain ill, the young lieutenant had to carry the ball.
Pro Tip 1/3Taking Initiative
Used when someone proactively takes charge without being prompted by others.
When the community event was in disarray, Maria decided to carry the ball and organized the volunteers.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literally
It's a metaphor and doesn't involve physically carrying anything.
After the CEO retired, Jenna had to carry the ball and lead the company.
Pro Tip 3/3Leadership Quality
Often implies leadership qualities or readiness to step up.
With the captain ill, the young lieutenant had to carry the ball.
Pro Tip 1/3Taking Initiative
Used when someone proactively takes charge without being prompted by others.
When the community event was in disarray, Maria decided to carry the ball and organized the volunteers.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literally
It's a metaphor and doesn't involve physically carrying anything.
After the CEO retired, Jenna had to carry the ball and lead the company.
Pro Tip 3/3Leadership Quality
Often implies leadership qualities or readiness to step up.
With the captain ill, the young lieutenant had to carry the ball.
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