Learn English Idioms: The ball is in your court - Meaning & Pronuntiation
The ball is in your court
The idiomatic expression originated in America in the early 19th century. The concept of symbolic “ball” comes from the sports world, such as tennis or/and basketball. It shows the ball being thrown around, and the person who is occupying the court has the responsibility to throw it off to the other side. The phrase also subtly hints towards getting rid of the ball (the task or the next move) as early and as swiftly as possible in the same context.
What does it mean? It’s up to you
How do you use it? It’s your move now, but this idiom refers to life rather than a sport. If you’ve got the ‘ball,’ the decision is yours and someone is waiting for your decision.