1curve 
/ˈkɚv/ noun
plural curves /ˈkɚv/ noun [count] 1 : a smooth, rounded line, shape, path, etc.
▪ The dog's tail has a slight curve. ▪ There is a sharp/gentle curve coming up in the road. 2 technical : a curved line on a graph that shows how something changes or is affected by one or more conditions
▪ the price curve in relation to inflation ▪ the population growth curve — see also learning curve 3 : a curving line or shape of the human body and especially of a woman's body — usually plural ▪ The dress follows the curves of the body. ▪ voluptuous curves 4 baseball : curveball
▪ The pitcher threw him a curve. — often used figuratively ▪ Life has thrown him some curves [=thrown him some curveballs] over the years but he's never given up. [=he has had some difficult and unexpected problems in his life] ▪ The reporter threw the actress a curve [=surprised her with a difficult and unexpected question] when he asked about her past drug use.
▪ The dog's tail has a slight curve. ▪ There is a sharp/gentle curve coming up in the road.
▪ the price curve in relation to inflation ▪ the population growth curve — see also learning curve
▪ The pitcher threw him a curve. — often used figuratively ▪ Life has thrown him some curves [=thrown him some curveballs] over the years but he's never given up. [=he has had some difficult and unexpected problems in his life] ▪ The reporter threw the actress a curve [=surprised her with a difficult and unexpected question] when he asked about her past drug use.
ahead of the curve
chiefly US, approving : faster about doing something than other people, companies, etc.
▪ The company has been ahead of the curve in adopting new technologies. [=has adopted new technologies faster than other companies]
▪ The company has been ahead of the curve in adopting new technologies. [=has adopted new technologies faster than other companies]
behind the curve
chiefly US, disapproving : slower about doing something than other people, companies, etc.
▪ We are behind the curve when it comes to advances in medicine. [=we have not been keeping up with the latest advances as well as others]
▪ We are behind the curve when it comes to advances in medicine. [=we have not been keeping up with the latest advances as well as others]
