ball is in court

the ball is in someone's court

if the ball is in someone's court, they have to do something before any progress can be made in a situation. I've told him he can have his job back if he apologizes. The ball's in his court now.

See also: ball, court

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the ball is in your court

you need to react or answer. We made a reasonable offer for the house, and now the ball is in their court.

Etymology: based on the sports meaning of court (= the playing area in games like tennis)

See also: ball, court