change-up

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Explanation of "Change-up"

Definition: A "change-up" is a type of pitch in baseball. It is thrown by the pitcher with less speed than a fastball, tricking the batter into expecting a fast pitch. When the batter swings, they might miss because the ball is slower than they anticipated.

Usage Instructions:

• Part of Speech: Noun
• Context: Used in baseball discussions, often when talking about different types of pitches.

Example:

• "The pitcher threw a change-up, and the batter struck out because he was ready for a fastball."

Advanced Usage:

In baseball strategy, a change-up is an important tool for pitchers. They use it to keep batters guessing and to increase the chances of getting them out.

Word Variants:

• Change-up (noun): The pitch itself.
• Change-up pitch (noun): Another way to refer to the same pitch.

Different Meanings:

The term "change-up" primarily refers to baseball. However, in a broader context, it can also mean a change or shift in plans or strategies in various situations, such as business or personal life.

Synonyms:

• Slow pitch (in the context of baseball)
• Deception pitch (referring to the technique of tricking the batter)

Related Idioms:

While there aren’t specific idioms that use "change-up," you might hear phrases like: - "Throwing a curveball" - meaning to surprise someone with an unexpected change. - "Mixing it up" - meaning to change things to keep them interesting.

Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific phrasal verbs associated with "change-up," but you might hear phrases like: - "Change gears" - meaning to shift from one activity or way of thinking to another.

Summary:

A "change-up" is a strategic baseball pitch that is slower than expected, designed to catch batters off guard.

Academic

Noun

1. a baseball thrown with little velocity when the batter is expecting a fastball

Synonyms

• change-of-pace
• change-of-pace ball
• off-speed pitch