the ball is in someone's court

English

Alternative forms

• have the ball in one's court

Etymology

From tennis, as when the ball is in someone's court it is their turn to play.

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

Phrase

the ball is in someone's court

1. (idiomatic) It is someone's turn to do something; often making a decision.

   Well there's not much more I can do, so the ball is in your court now.

   • 2017 October 9, Theresa May, 1:05 from the start, in Theresa May's Brexit speech‎^[1], via The Guardian:

     Achieving that partnership will require leadership and flexibility. Not just from us, but from our friends, the 27 nations of the EU. And as we look forward to the next stage, the ball is in their court, but I am optimistic it will receive a positive response.

Translations

Translations

• Catalan: la pilota és a la teulada d'algú
• Finnish: pallo on jollakulla
• French: la balle est dans le camp de quelqu’un
• German: am Zug sein, dran sein
• Polish: piłka jest po czyjejś stronie
• Romanian: mingea e în terenul cuiva
• Spanish: la pelota está en el tejado de alguien