Ball is in Your Court Idiom Meaning, Examples, Synonyms, and Quiz

The idiom “ball is in your court” refers to the fact that it is now your turn to act. If you have the “ball,” you must make the next move, just like in a game or a circumstance. This statement implies that you are in charge of initiating something.

The idiomatic expression first appeared in America in the early nineteenth century. The concept of a symbolic “ball” stems from sports such as tennis and/or basketball. It depicts the ball being thrown around, and the person occupying the court is responsible for throwing it off to the opposite side. In the same context, the expression quietly suggests getting rid of the ball (the task or the next move) as soon and as quickly as feasible. 

Usage with Examples

Here are some examples of the use of “ball is in your court” idiom in sentences:

• We did our best, and the ball is now in your court.
• The entire family has supported his decision to go to another nation, but the ball is in his court if he changes his mind at the last minute.
• I believe I have done enough to save our marriage. The ball is in your court now. 
• I had already agreed to meet with him to discuss his idea, but he did not show up on time. The ball is in his court.
• She started the dialogue, but if he wants to consider her marriage proposal, the ball is now in his court.
• His relatives and friends have asked him to apologise to his supervisor in order to keep his job. The ball is now in his court.

Also Read: Useful Idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meanings

Synonyms and Similar Words to Ball is in Your Court

Synonyms of “ball is in your court” idiom :

• it’s your move,
• boss is the boss,
• choose for yourself,
• boss calls the shots,
• decide for yourself, and
• it is for you to decide.

Ball is in Your Court Meaning Quiz

Mark did everything in his power to save his friendship with Snowbell, and now the ball:

1. Is in her court.
2. Is in his court.
3. Is in his hand.

Correct a) Is in her court.

Also Read: 150 Common Difficult Idioms with Examples

This was all about the ball is in your court idiom meaning and examples. Hope you understood the concept where it’s used. For more such blogs, follow Leverage Edu.