the ball is in your court
Meaning
It is your turn to act or decide; responsibility has shifted to you to make the next move.
Origin
From tennis (and similar court sports): when the ball lands on your side, you must return it. Metaphorically, it means it’s your responsibility to respond next.
Notes
Neutral but can feel pressuring: it highlights that the other person must respond/decide next. Common in business and everyday talk; may imply accountability or mild impatience.
Examples
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I’ve sent you the revised contract, so the ball is in your court now.
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We made our offer last week; the ball is in their court.
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If you want the promotion, the ball is in your court—schedule a meeting with your manager.
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I apologized and explained everything, so the ball is in your court.
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We can’t move forward until you approve the budget; the ball is in your court.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fairly fixed clause: “the ball is in X’s court.” Pronoun/noun phrase can change (your/his/their/John’s). Tense can shift (was/will be), often used as a standalone sentence.
Synonyms
- it's up to you
- your move
- the decision is yours
- over to you
- it's in your hands
Antonyms
- the ball is in my court
- it's out of your hands
- you have no say in it