the ball is in your court
It's your decision or responsibility now
Literally: The ball is currently located within your side of the sports court.
Use this when you've done your part and the next step is someone else's responsibility.
In 15 Seconds
- It is your turn to make a move or decision.
- The speaker has finished their part and is now waiting.
- Used in business, dating, and casual negotiations to show responsibility.
Meaning
This phrase means that it is now your turn to take action or make a choice. You have all the information you need, and the next step depends entirely on you.
Key Examples
3 of 6Following up on a job offer
I've sent over my signed contract, so the ball is in your court regarding the start date.
I've sent the contract, so you decide the start date.
Texting a crush after a first date
I had a great time! Let me know when you're free next; the ball is in your court.
I liked our date, now you choose when we meet again.
Negotiating a price at a market
I can't go higher than fifty dollars. The ball is in your court now.
Fifty is my final offer. Do you accept or not?
Cultural Background
The phrase originates from tennis and other racket sports where play is dictated by whose side the ball is on. It gained mainstream popularity in the mid-20th century as business culture began adopting sports metaphors to describe negotiations and decision-making. It reflects the Western cultural emphasis on personal agency and 'taking the lead' in social or professional interactions.
Softening the Blow
If you want to sound less aggressive in business, add 'I'll leave' before it. For example: 'I'll leave the ball in your court.' It sounds much more polite!
Don't Use it for Favors
If you are asking someone for a huge favor, avoid this phrase. It can make it sound like they *must* help you, which might feel rude.
In 15 Seconds
- It is your turn to make a move or decision.
- The speaker has finished their part and is now waiting.
- Used in business, dating, and casual negotiations to show responsibility.
What It Means
Imagine you are playing a game like tennis. The ball has just landed on your side. You are the only one who can hit it back. In life, this means the waiting is over. Someone has done their part. Now, the responsibility shifts to you. You must decide what happens next. If you do nothing, the game stops.
How To Use It
Use this when you have finished your task. You are waiting for someone else to respond. It works perfectly in emails or face-to-face chats. You can say, I sent the proposal, so the ball is in your court. It sounds proactive and clear. It tells the other person you are waiting. Don't use it if you still have work to do. Only use it when you are truly finished with your turn.
When To Use It
This is great for business deals. It works well when dating, too. Maybe you asked someone out and they said maybe. You can tell your friends, The ball is in her court now. Use it at a restaurant when splitting a bill. Use it when you give a friend advice. It puts the power in their hands. It’s a polite way to say, I’m waiting on you!
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very tragic or sad situations. If someone is grieving, don't say the ball is in their court. It sounds too much like a game. Also, avoid using it with your boss if they are very strict. It might sound like you are pushing them too hard. Never use it if the situation is out of everyone's control. It implies someone has the power to act.
Cultural Background
This idiom comes directly from tennis. In tennis, you cannot score if the ball is on your side. You must hit it back to stay in the game. It became popular in the 20th century. English speakers love sports metaphors for life. It reflects a culture that values individual action. It shows that we see life as a series of back-and-forth moves. It’s a very common 'Western' way of looking at progress.
Common Variations
Sometimes people just say, Your court. Others might say, The ball is in their court to talk about a third person. You might hear, I’m putting the ball in your court. This means you are intentionally giving them the power. In the UK, you might hear The ball's in your court with a contraction. All these versions mean the same thing. It’s all about who has the next move.
Usage Notes
This idiom is highly versatile but carries a sense of 'finality' for the speaker's current task. It is most effective in negotiations or when you want to clearly define who is responsible for a delay.
Softening the Blow
If you want to sound less aggressive in business, add 'I'll leave' before it. For example: 'I'll leave the ball in your court.' It sounds much more polite!
Don't Use it for Favors
If you are asking someone for a huge favor, avoid this phrase. It can make it sound like they *must* help you, which might feel rude.
The Tennis Connection
English has many sports idioms! If you like this one, look up 'hit a home run' (baseball) or 'touchdown' (American football). We love a good game metaphor.
Examples
6I've sent over my signed contract, so the ball is in your court regarding the start date.
I've sent the contract, so you decide the start date.
Professional way to signal you are waiting for their next instruction.
I had a great time! Let me know when you're free next; the ball is in your court.
I liked our date, now you choose when we meet again.
Casual and low-pressure way to show interest while letting them choose.
I can't go higher than fifty dollars. The ball is in your court now.
Fifty is my final offer. Do you accept or not?
Used to show a final position in a negotiation.
I've washed the dishes for a week straight; I think the ball is in your court for the next pile.
I did my share, now it's your turn to clean.
Using a formal-sounding idiom for a silly domestic chore.
I've told you how I feel and what I need to change. The ball is in your court.
You know my feelings, now you must decide what to do.
Puts the emotional weight on the listener to make a choice.
We've all submitted our parts except you, so the ball is in your court to finish the slides.
We are all waiting on you to finish the presentation.
Directly identifies the person responsible for a delay.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the idiom.
I've given you all the options. Now, the ball is in your ___.
The idiom specifically uses `court` because it refers to sports like tennis or basketball.
Identify the correct context for this phrase.
Which situation best fits 'the ball is in your court'?
The phrase is used when you have completed your part and are waiting for the other person's response.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'The Ball is in Your Court'
Used with friends or family regarding plans.
I told you I'm free Friday, so the ball's in your court!
Standard use in office emails or meetings.
We've sent the quote; the ball is in your court.
Can feel slightly too direct or pushy in high-level diplomacy.
The ministry has provided the data; the ball is in your court.
Where to use 'The Ball is in Your Court'
Business Deals
After sending a final offer.
Dating
After suggesting a second date.
Arguments
After stating your terms for an apology.
Collaborations
After finishing your half of a project.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but be careful. It is better to say I'm looking forward to your thoughts if you want to be very respectful. Use the ball is in your court only if you have a friendly relationship.
It is always in your court. Think of the court as a container or a specific area you are standing inside.
No, it means you have finished your part. You aren't quitting; you are just waiting for the other person to play their turn.
Absolutely! It means It is my turn to decide. For example: The company offered me the job, so the ball is in my court now.
Yes, it is very common in the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. Everyone who speaks English will understand it.
You could say It's up to you or The next move is yours. These are slightly more casual but mean the same thing.
It is perfect for texting! It’s short and clear. Just make sure the other person knows what they are supposed to do next.
Yes, it’s often used in the early stages of dating to see if the other person is interested enough to plan the next meeting.
It is not inherently rude, but it is very direct. If you say it with a harsh tone, it can sound like you are losing patience.
Yes, you can say The ball is in their court if you are waiting for another team or group to make a decision.
Related Phrases
It's up to you
You have the power to decide.
The next move is yours
It is your turn to act in a sequence of events.
Pass the torch
To give responsibility to someone else permanently.
Your call
Short for 'it is your decision to make'.
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