The ball is in your court

Origin: The idiom "The ball is in your court" originated from sports, particularly tennis, where after one player hits the ball over the net, it is then up to the other player to respond. The phrase metaphorically means that it is now someone else's turn to make a decision or take action in a situation. It implies that responsibility or initiative has been passed to another person, emphasizing their role in determining the next steps or course of action. This expression became popular in the mid-20th century and is commonly used in both casual and formal contexts to indicate that someone else must now take the lead or make a choice.

Examples

• After presenting the proposal, the CEO told the board members that the ball is in their court.
• I've done my part of the project, so the ball is now in your court to finish it.
• The negotiations have stalled, and now the ball is in the other company's court.
• We've provided all the necessary information; the ball is in the client's court to make a decision.
• After hearing both sides of the argument, the mediator said the ball is in their court to find a resolution.
• I've made my feelings clear, so the ball is in her court to decide what happens next.
• Following the job offer, the ball is in your court to accept or decline it.
• The committee has given their recommendations, and now the ball is in the president's court.
• Given the new evidence, the ball is in the prosecutor's court to proceed with the case.
• Since the partnership proposal has been sent, the ball is now in the company's court to respond.