THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
The ball is in your court
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
It’s your turn to take action or make a decision.
Usage note: keep in mind
The ball is in your court means the next decision or response belongs to you. Change your to my, her, their or another appropriate possessive. It often follows an offer or proposal; it does not necessarily imply blame or pressure.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- I’ve made my offer—now the ball is in your court.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
0 of 1 checked correctly
Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
I’ve made my offer—now ________.
Show the answer
The ball is in your court — It’s your turn to take action or make a decision.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “The ball is in your court” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
It’s your turn to take action or make a decision.
Compare: I’ve made my offer—now the ball is in your court.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
GO DEEPER
More ways to understand and use it
Jump to a section
More examples in context
- I've sent the revised contract. The ball is now in their court.
- The interviewer has answered my questions; the ball is in my court to accept or decline.
Check your understanding
We offered two meeting dates and are waiting for Priya to choose. Whose court is the ball in?
Check your answer
Priya's court, or her court. She has the next decision to make; we have already provided the options.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where the ball is in your court fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.