ball1
noun 1 a solid or hollow sphere, especially one that is kicked, thrown, or hit in a game. 2 a single throw or kick of the ball in a game. 3 N. Amer. a game played with a ball, especially baseball. verb squeeze or form into a ball. PHRASES the ball is in your court it is up to you to make the next move. the ball of the foot the rounded part of the foot at the base of the big toe. keep ones eye on (or take ones eye off) the ball keep (or fail to keep) ones attention focused on the matter in hand. on the ball alert to new ideas, methods, and trends. play ball informal cooperate. start (or get or set) the ball rolling make a start. ORIGIN Old Norse.
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