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- throw (someone) a googly
throw (someone) a googly
throw (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 threw me a googly when he asked if I'd like to go on a date with him. The manager decided to throw a googly by letting his staff have Friday off.