the ball is in someone's court
It is someone's turn to do something; often making a decision.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I sent the offer, so now the ball is in your court.”
“We have finished our part of the project, so the ball is in their court to review the final report.”
“Having presented a comprehensive proposal to the board of directors, the manager sat back, knowing the ball was now in their court to approve the funding.”
disputed origin
From tennis and other court games: once the ball is on your side, it is your turn to act; figurative use from the mid-20th century.
- 01
another nail in someone's coffin
An event that increases the likelihood of or causes further failure.
- 02
answer someone's prayers
To be or do exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.
- 03
answer to someone's prayers
Exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.
- 04
apple of someone's eye
The object of somebody's affections; a person (or sometimes a thing) that someone strongly prefers; a favorite, a loved one.
- 05
ball hog
In team sports, a player who keeps the ball to themselves, rather than passing it.
- 06
ball of fire
A person who is especially active, ambitious, hard-working, or high-achieving.
- 07
ball of malt
A glass of whiskey.
- 08
balls of steel
Courage, audacity.
Last updated August 10, 2026