carry the ball

Related to carry the ball: in droves

carry the ball

1. In American football, to literally hold the ball (and protect it in order to maintain possession) while attempting to advance it on the field, ultimately in pursuit of a touchdown. This is our last chance to tie the game, so I want Ross carrying the ball on this play.
2. By extension, to have a leading role in the completion or execution of a task or project. After I implemented that important initiative, the boss asked me to carry the ball on our next big project.
See also: ball, carry
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

carry the ball

 
1. Lit. to be the player who is relied on to gain yardage, especially in football. It was the fullback carrying the ball. Yes, Tom always carries the ball.
2. Fig. to be in charge; to be considered reliable enough to make sure that a job gets done. We need someone who knows how to get the job done. Hey, Sally! Why don't you carry the ball for us? John can't carry the ball. He isn't organized enough.
See also: ball, carry
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

carry the ball

Take charge, advance a cause, as in In our lab any of the assistants can carry the ball. This usage comes from such sports as football, where the ball-carrying player gives the team yardage or a touchdown. By the early 1900s it was being transferred to other endeavors.
See also: ball, carry
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

carry the ˈball

(American English, informal) take responsibility for getting something done: My co-worker was sick, so I had to carry the ball. We need a couple of Senators who will carry the ball for us in Congress.
See also: ball, carry
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

carry the ball

Informal
To assume the leading role; do most of the work.
See also: ball, carry
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • literally
  • cure
  • disease
  • a cure worse than the ailment
  • a cure worse than the disease
  • a treatment worse than the disease
  • ailment
  • (the) survival of the fittest
  • beat the hell out of
  • beat the hell out of (one)
References in periodicals archive
''But if you carry the ball without a lot of run, it can be a big help.
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For example, let's say your rules state that no player over 110 pounds can carry the ball. Take the fastest 110 pounders you have and coach like crazy.
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The back four lacks pace and the midfield plays long balls all the time when they should carry the ball right up t o the opposition danger zone.
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''If you go into a game half-cock, you'll get an injury or be knocked backwards when you carry the ball.''
Charvis in for Wales; RUGBY UNION
Not being able to carry the ball as far actually benefits you in some ways on a lot of these tee shots.
lEHmAn bACking OldiES
"The new rules also suit the Irish because they are going to encourage the players to run and carry the ball.
JIM HAS IRELAND ON TOP
"He thinks I have the legs to break it up and carry the ball 70 yards to give the team a breather."
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"He is always willing to carry the ball forward, even under the toughest of circumstances.
Foz back in Nick of time for St Helens
Didier will carry the ball while Carrick would pass the ball.
Football: Zokora's coasting
I like to carry the ball and to do long runs like Thierry but I feel comfortable too when playing with my back to the goal."
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"He is also able to carry the ball into dangerous areas.
FOOTBALL: Top marks for classy Veron
The thieves are also believed to have taken a number of bins and baskets to carry the balls away.
Stolen golf balls easy to spot
Former world golf No1 McIlroy was more than happy to carry the balls instead of hitting them as he encouraged his girlfriend.
Rory's just ace at lending a hand