WordValethe ball is in your court
it is your turn to act or decide
In more detail
(idiom) it is your turn to take action or make a decision; the responsibility is now yours to do something
Examples
- I've made my offer—the ball is in your court now to decide whether you want to accept it.
How to use the ball is in your court
This idiom is used when someone has fulfilled their responsibility and is passing responsibility or decision-making to another person. It's typically used in negotiation, work, or conflict contexts to indicate that the other party must now take action. The tone is neutral to slightly formal, often used to clarify who is responsible for the next step.
Common phrases
- the ball is in your court now
- I've done my part, the ball is in your court
- put the ball in someone's court
- leave the ball in your court
Synonyms
the onus is on you · it's your move · the next move is yours · your turn to act · now it's up to you
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse the metaphor and say 'the ball is on your court' instead of 'in your court,' or they use it with the wrong person in mind—be clear about who holds responsibility.
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