The ball is in your court

Meaning

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

Usage

Often used during negotiations or collaborative projects to signal that the next move belongs to another party.

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.

Derived from sports like tennis, referencing whose turn it is to serve or return the ball.

Entered conversational English in the early 20th century as tennis became a popular metaphor for responsibility.