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Region: General | Usage example: I answered; the ball is in your court.

Ball in your court

Meaning

Now it is your turn to act.

Usage

Used to indicate responsibility shift.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Sports metaphor from tennis.

Used early 20th century as figurative speech.

Related Idioms

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Keep your eye on the ball

Stay focused on the goal.

Put your money where your mouth is

Support words with action or investment.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.

Barking up the wrong tree

Accusing or pursuing the wrong person/idea; making a false assumption.