phrase🎓 English idiom
the ball is in your court
it's your decision now
What it means
Used to say that it is now someone else's turn to make a decision or take action, and the responsibility has passed to them. It signals that you have done your part and are waiting on them.
Words like “the ball is in your court” are exactly the kind of vocabulary our English vocabulary size test measures — find out how many English words you know.
Examples
- I've made my offer, so now the ball is in your court.
- We've explained the options; the ball is in your court now.
- She apologised, and now the ball is in his court to respond.
- The company sent the contract, so the ball is in our court.
Where it comes from
A metaphor from tennis (and similar court games), where it is your turn to play once the ball lands on your side. It became common in the 20th century.
Related idioms
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