The Ball Is in Your Court – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever waited for someone to reply to your message, make a choice, or take the next step in a project? Maybe you sent a job application and are waiting to hear back, or you asked a friend to pick the movie—and they haven’t decided yet. In English, we say the ball is in your court! This sports-inspired idiom means it’s now your turn to act, respond, or make a move.
What Does “The Ball Is in Your Court” Mean?
“The ball is in your court” means it’s your responsibility or turn to do something next—especially after someone else has done their part. Think of a tennis match: when one player hits the ball, it lands in the other player’s court, and now it’s their turn to hit it back. The phrase isn’t about real tennis; it’s a clear, visual way to say, “It’s up to you now.”
When to Use It
Use this phrase in casual or neutral conversations with friends, coworkers, or classmates when someone needs to respond, decide, or take the next step. It’s common in emails, teamwork, negotiations, or even personal relationships. This idiom is informal but widely understood—great for everyday use, not formal legal or technical writing.
Example Sentences
- I’ve sent you all the documents—now the ball is in your court.
- She asked him out, and he said yes. Now the ball is in her court to plan the date.
- We’ve made our offer. The ball is in their court.
- Don’t wait for me—I’ve done my part. The ball is in your court now.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “Did the client reply to your proposal?”
Jamie: “Yes! They loved it. Now the ball is in our court to schedule the kickoff meeting.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use this phrase when no one has taken action yet or when responsibilities are unclear. It only applies when one side has clearly done their part—and now it’s the other person’s turn.
❌ Don’t say: “We both need to start the project—the ball is in your court.” (No one has acted yet!)
✅ Do say: “I’ve finished my half—now the ball is in your court.”
Practice Tip
Next time you’ve done your part in a conversation or task, say gently: “The ball is in your court now.” It’s a polite, natural way to pass the responsibility—and sound like a native speaker!
Final Note
Now you can use “the ball is in your court” to clearly show whose turn it is to act! It’s a smooth, everyday phrase that keeps conversations and projects moving forward. Keep using it—and remember, in the game of communication, everyone gets a turn!