court (redirected from courts of law)

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

a full-court press (American)

a big effort to achieve something. The Mayor has urged a full-court press for civil rights and fair housing in the city.

See also: press

get/have your day in court (American & Australian)

to get an opportunity to give your opinion on something or to explain your actions after they have been criticized. She was fiercely determined to get her day in court and the TV interview would give it to her.

See also: day

hold court (humorous)

to get a lot of attention from a group of people by talking in a way that is entertaining, especially on social occasions. You'll find Mick holding court in the kitchen.

See also: hold

a kangaroo court

a court of law which is not official and which judges someone in an unfair way. A kangaroo court was set up by the strikers to deal with people who had refused to stop working.

laugh something/someone out of court

to refuse to think seriously about an idea, belief or a possibility. At the meeting, her proposal was laughed out of court. (usually passive) Anyone who had made such a ludicrous suggestion would have been laughed out of court

See also: laugh

put the ball in someone's 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. This pay offer has put the ball firmly in the court of the union.

See also: ball

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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

have your day in court

to have the opportunity to make a complaint publicly and to have it judged fairly. The attorneys said they were pleased that their clients got their day in court.

See also: day

hold court

to attract people who want your attention. The actress held court with the reporters and photographers who followed her everywhere.

Etymology: based on the idea of a king who holds court (= surrounds himself with people of high social rank and people who give advice)

See also: hold