the ball is in court

the ball is in someone's court

Fig. to be someone else's move, play, or turn. (From tennis.) The ball's in your court now. You do something. I can't do anything as long as the ball is in John's court.

See also: ball, court

---

the ball is in somebody's court

if the ball is in someone's court, they have to do something before any progress can be made in a situation

Usage notes: In a game of tennis, if the ball is in your court then it is your turn to hit the ball.

I've told him he can have his job back if he apologizes. The ball's in his court now.

See carry the ball, drop the ball, play ball, the whole ball of wax

See also: ball, court

---

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