The Village Idiom

leave the ball in someone's court

The idiom "leave the ball in someone's court" means to give someone the responsibility or opportunity to take action or make a decision in a situation, often after one's own efforts or turn has been completed.

Effort & character · Filed under L

In a sentence

  • After presenting all the evidence, the lawyer left the ball in the jury's court to decide the defendant's fate.
  • My friend asked me if I wanted to attend the concert, but I couldn't decide. So, I told them to let me know the date and ticket prices and that I would leave the ball in their court.
  • The company CEO proposed a new strategy for expanding into international markets, but it required further discussion and approval from the board of directors. Ultimately, she left the ball in their court to make the final decision.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "the ball is in someone's court" is closely related to "leave the ball in someone's court." It is also used to describe a situation where someone is waiting for another person to make a decision or take action. The phrase suggests that the person who has the ball has the power to make the next move, while the other person is in a passive role, waiting for a response or action.

"Leave someone to their own devices" is another idiom that is related to "leave the ball in someone's court." It means to allow someone to do something in their own way or to pursue their own interests without interference or assistance from others. In the context of leaving the ball in someone's court, it implies that the person who left the ball is allowing the other person to make their own decision or take their own action without providing guidance or assistance.

"Leave someone in the lurch" is yet another idiom that can be related to "leave the ball in someone's court." It means to abandon or betray someone at a time when they need support or assistance. In the context of leaving the ball in someone's court, it suggests that the person who left the ball has put the other person in a difficult or challenging situation by not providing the necessary help or guidance.

"Leave someone holding the baby" is a fourth idiom that can be connected to "leave the ball in someone's court." It means to leave someone with a problem or responsibility that they did not create or want. In the context of leaving the ball in someone's court, it implies that the person who left the ball has placed the burden or responsibility on the other person without taking any responsibility themselves.

These related idioms highlight different aspects of the dynamics involved in leaving the ball in someone's court. They demonstrate the varying degrees of power, responsibility, and support that can be associated with different situations where someone is waiting for another person to make a decision or take action.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.