- It is now your turn to take action, make a decision, or respond. The responsibility has shifted to you.
Explanation
Origin
- Comes from court sports like tennis or volleyball.
- When the ball is in your side of the court, it is your responsibility to hit it back over the net to continue the game.
- This concept of having the responsibility to act was transferred to general situations.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Your shout now (Aus/NZ Your turn, often for buying drinks, but can be broader)
- Tag, you're it (Playful, like the children's game)
- Over to you.
Milder/Formal:
- The decision rests with you.
- We await your response/action.
- The next step needs to be taken by you.
Situational Appropriateness
- Common in informal, semi-formal, and business contexts. It clearly signals a shift in responsibility.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Purely figurative. Must be understood as it's your responsibility to act next, not related to actual sports.
Examples
- I've given them my final offer. Now the ball is in their court.
- We've done everything we can; the ball is in your court now to make the next move.
- Okay, I've explained the options. The ball's in your court.
Dialogue
Salesperson: So, that's our best proposal, including the discount and extended warranty.
Client: Thank you for laying it all out so clearly.
Salesperson: You're welcome. We've presented everything. Now, the ball is in your court. Let us know what you decide.
Client: Okay, I'll discuss it with my team and get back to you by the end of the week.
Social Media Examples
- Email subject: Following Up: The Ball is in Your Court
- Post: Sent off the manuscript to the publisher. Now, the ball is in their court. Fingers crossed! 🤞 #AmWriting #Publishing
- Tweet: Made my argument, presented the evidence. The ball is in your court, @CompanySupport. Waiting for a resolution. #CustomerService
Response Patterns
- Okay, I understand. I'll think about it/get back to you.
- Right, let me see what I can do.
- Understood. Give me some time to decide.
- What happens if I don't act? (Seeking clarification on consequences)
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After being told the ball is in your court:
- The person usually acknowledges the responsibility and indicates their next step (e.g., consideration, action, requesting time).
- They might ask clarifying questions before acting (What's the deadline?).
After telling someone the ball is in their court:
- The speaker typically waits for the other person's response or action. They might set a deadline (Let me know by Friday).
Conversation Starter
- No. Concludes a phase of interaction and passes responsibility.
Intonation
- Emphasis typically on ball and your court. The BALL is in YOUR COURT.
- Often stated matter-of-factly, indicating a transfer of responsibility.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood across generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.