bowl (someone) a googly

bowl (someone) a googly

To present someone with a question, situation, or piece of information that is surprising or unexpected. Taken from cricket, in which a "googly" is a ball thrown counter to that which the batsman expects. Primarily heard in UK. Dave really bowled me a googly when he asked if I'd like to go on a date with him. The manager bowled us a googly by announcing we'd have this Friday off.
See also: bowl, googly
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • googly
  • throw (someone) a googly
  • googly-eyed
  • curve ball
  • curveball
  • steal a march
  • steal a march on
  • steal a march over (someone or something)
  • steal a march upon (someone or something)
  • steal the march on (someone or something)