~ 1
■ noun
1》 a solid or hollow sphere, especially one that is kicked, thrown, or hit in a game.
↘a game played with a ~, especially ( N. Amer. ) base~.
2》 a single throw or kick of the ~ in a game.
↘ Cricket a delivery of the ~ by the bowler to the batsman.
↘ Base~ a pitch delivered outside the strike zone which the batter does not attempt to hit.
■ verb
1》 squeeze or form into a ~.
2》 N. Amer. vulgar slang (of a man) have sex with.
3》 Brit. (of a flower) fail to open properly, decaying in the half-open bud.
Phrases
the ~ is in your court it is up to you to make the next move.
the ~ of the foot the rounded protuberant part of the foot at the base of the big toe.
the ~ of the thumb the rounded protuberant part of the hand at the base of the thumb.
keep the ~ rolling maintain the momentum of an activity.
keep one's eye on (or take one's eye off ) the ~ keep (or fail to keep) one's attention focused on the matter in hand.
on the ~ alert to new ideas and methods.
play ~ informal cooperate.
start (or get or set ) the ~ rolling make a start.
the whole ~ of wax N. Amer. informal everything.
Origin
ME: from ON bỏllr , of Gmc origin.
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~ 2
■ noun a formal social gathering for dancing.
Phrases
have a ~ informal enjoy oneself greatly.
Origin
C17: from Fr. bal 'a dance'.