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.
To punish someone or something harshly
He's a really strict teacher, so he'll definitely lower the boom on you if you don't do your homework.