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In American English, a curveball more generally describes a deceptive or unexpected action that poses a new challenge: He threw a curveball by threatening to resign.
Other baseball terms in general English
There are many other examples of baseball terminology entering general English - three strikes, and you're out, hit a home run, touch base.Interestingly, these are commonly used in British English. In contrast, cricket expressions, such as a sticky wicket (difficult context or situation) and a good innings (a long life or period in situ) are unfamiliar to most Americans.