carry the ball

phrase

: to perform or assume the chief role : bear the major portion of work or responsibility
No one else is available to make the arrangements, so it's up to you to carry the ball.

Examples of carry the ball in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Tomalak, who completed 15 of 20 passes for 176 yards and carried the ball four times for 63 yards, changed the course of the game with her 14th interception of the season. — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 Workhorse back Hugo Kemeni-Djeumeni carried the ball 36 times for 243 yards and a TD for the Elis (3-2). — From Staff Reports, Hartford Courant, 17 Oct. 2026 Garcia carries the ball again and is stopped about a yard, or less, short by Tawfiq Byard. — American-Statesman Sports Desk, Austin American Statesman, 17 Oct. 2026 At one stage in the first half, right-back Archie Gray easily dribbled past him after carrying the ball 20 yards, requiring a foul by Mbeumo to halt him. — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for carry the ball

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carry the ball was in 1924

Rhymes for carry the ball

See All Rhymes for carry the ball

Browse Nearby Words

carrytale
carry the ball
carry the can
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Carry the ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carry%20the%20ball. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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