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A situation where it is someone else's turn to make a decision or take action.
After I sent you the proposal, the ball is in your court to approve it.
Once you've received the offer, the ball is in your court to decide whether to accept it.
This idiom originates from tennis, where the ball is literally in the opponent's court after a serve or return.
This idiom is versatile and can be used in both professional and casual settings, but be mindful of the tone to ensure it doesn't sound too direct or demanding.
While useful, overusing this idiom can make your speech sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like 'it's your turn' or 'the decision is yours.'
This phrase comes from tennis, where the ball is physically in the opponent's court after a serve or return. It was first recorded in the early 20th century.
This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in business and personal communication when referring to decision-making.