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.
Running back Chip Trayanum, who carried the ball 21 times for 62 yards during the preseason and scored against the Giants, was placed on reserve/injured. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 30 Aug. 2026 Yoder, who finished with 1,409 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns last season, carried the ball 21 times for 130 yards against Holy Cross. — ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026 His first came after he was released down the flank by Semenyo, carrying the ball forward before chopping inside and hammering a shot straight at Nick Pope. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Vikings running back Chuck Foreman was a workhorse, carrying the ball 31 times for 101 yards and a touchdown. — Jim Reineking, USA Today, 24 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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