In this lesson we will discuss the idiom 'the ball is in your court' and how to use it in conversations.

If someone says 'the ball is in your court' to you it means that he wants you to react on the matter.

Mr. Smith told me that the ball is in my court when he gave me the assignment. He meant that I should work on it now, right?

You got it, Daisy. The idiom is often used in making a decision.

However it also means whatever happens, it's up to you; now it's your turn to make a decision.

So if the ball is in someone's court it means that it is now his responsibility to do something about it.

Correct! This makes the meaning clear. Will you give me some examples?

I guess the ball is in my court now! Okay here's one example: ''I've emailed you my half of the report Mark. Now the ball is in your court.''

Thank you Daisy! By the way, we've already raised $3000 for the freshmen party. Now the ball is in your court to schedule it.

Don't worry Mark, actually I've planned it already! Let's listen to some conversations now.

What about the balance sheet Olivia? Have you done it?

I did my bit and gave it to John. The ball's in his court now. You should talk to him Wilson.

Thank you Olivia. I'll ask John about it.

Wilson, what happened to your job transfer?

Yeah! I talked to Mr. Jones about it. He said the ball is in the chairman's court.

I see,so you might stay with us a bit longer!

For now, I have no choice, unless I just quit.

So if the chairman refuses your transfer request, the ball will be in your court.

Yeah. That's right. It'll be a tough decision.

Hey Wilson, let's go watch one of the new movies today, okay?

I'm a little bored of watching movies, let's go do something else.

Okay, what would you like to do then? I'll do anything you want to do.

Really?

Yep, the ball's in your court!

I guess the ball is in my court now!

Now the ball is in your court to schedule it.

The ball’s in his court now.

He said the ball is in the chairman's court.

If the chairman refuses your transfer request, the ball will be in your court.

Yep, the ball’s in your court!