noun a spherical object used in various sports and games
verb to form into a round shape or to make a mess of something
In cooking, to ball up dough can refer to shaping it into a ball before baking.
In basketball, players may ball up the ball before taking a shot.
In physics, 'ball up' can refer to the act of forming a ball shape with a material for experimentation.
In informal language, 'ball up' can mean to mess up or make a mistake.
In crafting, to ball up yarn or thread means to wind it into a ball for easier use.
In a professional context, 'ball up' may be used by a writer to describe the act of crumpling a piece of paper or physically forming a ball out of paper as a way to discard or start over with a new idea.
A psychologist may use 'ball up' metaphorically to describe the process of dealing with emotional or psychological issues that have become tangled or overwhelming, as in 'working through these issues may feel like trying to ball up a tangled mess.'
In sports, 'ball up' can refer to the act of physically forming a ball with one's body to protect the ball or maintain possession, such as in basketball when a player 'balls up' to shield the ball from defenders.
A chef may use 'ball up' to describe the action of forming ingredients into a ball shape, such as when making meatballs or dough for bread.
An artist may use 'ball up' to describe the physical act of crumpling or shaping materials into a ball for use in a sculpture or mixed media piece.