carry the ball

VERB

assume the leading role

Synonyms

WEAK

bear the burden carry on carry one's weight carry through do one's part make go perform

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I might have to carry the ball some,” Riley quipped during NBC’s broadcast.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 14, 2025

The former Atletico Madrid forward's ability to carry the ball often results in a chance created.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2025

He’s able to carry the ball 29, 28, 27 times.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 26, 2024

"He would carry the ball back like a guided missile and had so many ways to beat the challenge of a defender," he said.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2024

This time, however, Francis did not carry the ball and on subsequent days maintained that the evidence for a TMV helix was only so-so.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson