rolling like a bowling ball
Definitions
moving quickly and smoothly
Describing something or someone moving with great speed and easebeing carefree and happy
Describing someone who is enjoying life and having a good time without any worries
Examples of rolling like a bowling ball
The boulder rolled down the steep hill like a bowling ball, picking up speed and gaining momentum with each tumble.
This idiom is used to describe an object moving very quickly or forcefully, as if it were rolling down a bowling alley. The image of a heavy and round object gaining speed and momentum as it goes downhill is vivid and visual, making it a useful literary device for writers.
The sales figures for the new product skyrocketed overnight, rolling like a bowling ball and leaving the competition scrambling to catch up.
This idiom is used in a metaphorical sense to convey the sudden and dramatic increase in sales for a new product. The image of a rolling bowling ball evokes a sense of rapid and dynamic movement, emphasizing the great pace and momentum that the product has gained.
The stock market seemed to be rolling like a bowling ball lately, with wild fluctuations and unexpected twists at every turn.
This idiom is used to describe the volatile and unpredictable nature of the stock market, depicting the ups and downs of the market as similar to the erratic movement of a rolling bowling ball. The image of the bowling ball captures the intensity and unpredictability of the market, using a strong and memorable image to convey the idea.
The carousel was spinning faster and faster, the horses and riders whirling around like bowling balls on a curve.
This idiom is used to describe the rapid and dizzying motion of a carousel, as the horses and riders spin around at high speed. The image of the horses as rolling bowling balls captures the thrilling and dizzying speed of the carousel in a vivid and memorable way, making it a powerful and colorful literary device for writers.
The sales figures for the new product line were rolling like a bowling ball, with each quarter surpassing the previous one's revenue.
The phrase "rolling like a bowling ball" is used figuratively to describe how something is advancing or increasing rapidly and significantly, just as a bowling ball would roll quickly and forcefully down a lane.
The economy seemed to be rolling like a bowling ball during the late 1990s, with steady growth and low unemployment.
Here, the idiom is used to describe a strong or booming economy, much as a bowling ball would gather speed and momentum as it traveled down the lane.
The team's morale was rolling like a bowling ball after their first win of the season.
This example uses the idiom to show how confident and energized a team can become, much as a bowling ball would build momentum after gaining initial velocity.
Research and development in the pharmaceutical sector is rolling like a bowling ball as companies race to find new treatments for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's.
In this situation, "rolling like a bowling ball" is used to convey the sense of urgent progress and innovation in a particular industry or field.
Conclusion
The idiom "rolling like a bowling ball" can be used to describe both the physical act of moving quickly and smoothly, as well as the emotional state of being carefree and happy. It can be applied to various situations, from describing a fast-moving vehicle to expressing someone's joy and contentment.Origin of "rolling like a bowling ball"
The origin of the idiom "rolling like a bowling ball" can be traced back to the sport of bowling. A bowling ball is known for its smooth and swift movement as it rolls down the lane, aiming to knock down the pins. This imagery of a bowling ball in motion has been used metaphorically to describe things or people moving swiftly and smoothly. Additionally, the carefree and happy connotation of the idiom may stem from the enjoyment and leisure associated with the game of bowling. Overall, the idiom captures the sense of fluidity and joy, drawing on the familiar image of a bowling ball in motion.