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.

When USC was without its top two backs for the Las Vegas Bowl in December, Jackson stepped in to carry the ball 16 times for 66 yards and a touchdown.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 14, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 26, 2024

But an opportunist kick from Theo Dan gave Saracens the advantage, forcing Redpath to chase back and carry the ball over the line to gift them a scrum five metres out.

From BBC • Apr. 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