The ball is in your court
/ðə ˈbɔːl ɪz ɪn jɔːr ˈkɔːrt/neutral, informalUK · US · AU · IE · CA
What does “The ball is in your court” mean?
The ball is in your court means it is now your turn to make a decision or take the next action.
This idiom means that responsibility has shifted to someone else. You have done everything you need to do for now, and nothing more can happen until the other person makes a move.
It sounds clear and polite, but it also creates mild pressure. It reminds the listener that everyone is waiting for their choice before moving forward.
When do people say it?
People say this when they have completed their part of a task and are waiting for someone else to respond.
“I sent you our best offer this morning, so the ball is in your court now.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: neutral, informal. It is most at home in both everyday conversation and professional writing. Most common in UK and US and AU and IE and CA.
Where does it come from?
This phrase comes from tennis, where players must hit the ball when it lands on their side of the net. People began using it in everyday speech during the mid-twentieth century.
Origin confidence: Well documented
How do you say “The ball is in your court” in other languages?
Last reviewed 2026-09-11