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carry the ball

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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

carry the ball

to do the work necessary to achieve something The people who carried the ball for her campaign were mainly volunteers.

See also: ball, carry

carry the ball

  (American)

to take control of an activity and do what is needed to get a piece of work done The people who carried the ball for his campaign were mainly volunteers.

See also: ball, carry

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

carry the ball

Informal

To assume the leading role; do most of the work.

See also: ball, carry