the ball is in someone's court

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word the ball is in someone's court. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word the ball is in someone's court, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say the ball is in someone's court in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word the ball is in someone's court you have here. The definition of the word the ball is in someone's court will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofthe ball is in someone's court, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

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, 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