English · Work & Business
the ball is in your court
/ðə bɔːl ɪz ɪn jɔː kɔːt/
[/ðə bɔːl ɪz ɪn jɔː kɔːt/]
your turn to act
Intermediatephrase
Definition
It is now your responsibility to take the next action or make a decision.
Example
I've made my offer, so now the ball is in your court; let me know what you decide.
I've made my offer, so now the ball is in your court; let me know what you decide.
Etymology
From tennis, where the ball being in a player's court means it is their turn to respond.
How & Where It’s Used
Common in negotiations for indicating whose turn it is to act.