Pitch (one) a curve (ball) American phrase
To surprise or confuse someone by doing something unexpected
Even when they pitch me a curveball, I still have plan B.
He proposed to me in public. That really pitched me a curveball.
No matter how well-prepared you are, there is always a slight chance that life would pitch you a curveball.
To punish someone or something harshly
Once something has been done, you can do nothing but face the consequences.
White lie
The verb "pitch" should be conjugated according to its tense.
1. To punch a hole in one's ticket to show that they have paid for a ride
2. To do something that allows one to go further in a competition or to be promoted at work
1. Please, tell me if I forget to punch your ticket.
2. With a view to punching my ticket to the final, I did whatever it takes to win this round.