the ball is in my court
/ðə bɔːl ɪz ɪn maɪ kɔːrt/It is someone else's turn to take action or respond in a situation.
I've done my part; now the ball is in your court.
I've completed my responsibilities, and now it's your turn to do something.
The negotiations stalled because the ball is in their court.
The other party needs to make the next move in the negotiations.
This idiom is often used in business, sports, and general conversations to indicate that the responsibility has shifted to another person or group.
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Antonyms
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Usage Context
Use this idiom when you want to indicate that someone else is now responsible for the next step in a process or conversation.
Tone
This idiom can be neutral or slightly assertive, depending on the context. It's often used to gently remind someone that they need to take action.
⚡Gold Rule
Correct Usage
Ensure that the idiom is used in contexts where responsibility or action has clearly shifted to another person or group.
📖Word Origin
This idiom originates from tennis, where the ball is literally in one player's court when it's their turn to serve or return. The phrase has been used metaphorically since the early 20th century.
📝Usage Notes
This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in business, sports, and negotiations. It emphasizes that the responsibility or opportunity to act has shifted to another person or group.