the ball is in someone’s court: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘the ball is in someone's court’ mean?
The idiom "the ball is in someone's court" means that it is now someone's turn or responsibility to take action or make a decision.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "the buck stops here" means taking responsibility for a situation and not passing it on to others.
The idiom "tell it to the judge" means to present your case or argument to the person in authority who has the power to make a decision or pass judgment on it.
The idiom "take the wheel" is commonly used in the English language, particularly in American English, and it has a specific meaning that may vary in different contexts.
The idiom "take matters into one's own hands" means to personally handle or assume responsibility for a situation instead of relying on others to do so.
The idiom "take it upon oneself" means to assume responsibility or take on a task without being asked or obligated to do so.
The idiom *stand trial* means to appear in court as a defendant, where one's case is heard and a decision is made by a judge or jury.
The idiom "play one's part" means to do one's assigned or expected role in a particular situation or activity.
The idiom "play ball" means to cooperate or participate willingly in a situation or activity.
The idiom "pass the buck" means to shift responsibility or blame onto someone else.
The idiom "on someone's hands" means that someone is responsible or accountable for something or someone.
The idiom "on someone's hands" is commonly used in English to describe a situation where someone has responsibility or control over something or someone. It is often used in a negative context to imply that the person is burdened or overwhelmed by the task or obligation at hand.
Who's in control?
The idiom "the ball is in someone's court" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It is often used in a figurative sense to indicate that it is now someone's responsibility or turn to take action or make a decision in a particular situation. The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the sport of tennis, where the ball is hit back and forth between players, symbolizing the exchange of control.
In the game of tennis, the ball is in one player's court when it is their turn to play and hit the ball. This particular usage of the phrase can be seen as early as the late 1800s, as references to tennis began to be used metaphorically in English literature. However, it is important to note that the idiom does not solely pertain to the game of tennis and has been widely used in various contexts to indicate a shift in control or responsibility.
The phrase "the ball is in someone's court" implies that a decision or action has been passed on to someone, and it is now up to them to respond or take the next step. It suggests that the ball is now in their hands, and the outcome depends on their actions. It can be used in situations where someone is waiting for a response or a resolution from another person, placing the onus on the other party to make a move.
When the ball is in someone's court, it is similar to the phrase "leave the ball in someone's court", where the responsibility or next action is left to their discretion. In this case, the ball is in their hands, and they have the power to determine the outcome. This phrase highlights the importance of the person being addressed in making a decision or taking action.
The idiom "the ball is in someone's court" is also related to the phrase "on someone's hands". When the ball is in someone's court, it is on their hands, meaning that they have control or responsibility for the situation. The outcome or resolution depends on how they handle the situation or make a decision. This phrase emphasizes the role of the person being addressed and their ability to influence the outcome.
Another related idiom is "play ball". When the ball is in someone's court, it is their turn to play ball, meaning that they have the opportunity or responsibility to take action. This phrase is often used to indicate that it is now their turn to participate or make a move in a given situation. It highlights the active role of the person being addressed and their ability to influence the outcome by taking action.
Similarly, the idiom "the ball is someone's to lose" is related to the phrase "the ball is in someone's court". When the ball is in someone's court, it is their responsibility or opportunity to lose, meaning that they have control over the outcome. This phrase suggests that the person being addressed has the power to determine their own success or failure in the given situation. It emphasizes the importance of their actions or decisions in shaping the outcome.
As an idiomatic expression, the meaning of "the ball is in someone's court" is not dependent on the literal interpretation of the words. By using this idiom, speakers can convey a sense of urgency or expectation, urging someone to take action or make a decision in a given situation. It shifts the focus from the speaker to the person being addressed, emphasizing their role in determining the outcome.
The idiom "the ball is in someone's court" has become a commonplace expression in the English language, symbolizing a transfer of responsibility or control. Its origins can be traced back to the game of tennis, where the ball is hit back and forth between players. However, its usage is not limited to the sport and has been employed in various contexts to indicate the need for someone to take action or make a decision. This idiom effectively captures the essence of shifting control and highlights the role of the person being addressed in determining the outcome. With its widespread use, it remains a relevant and powerful expression in contemporary discourse.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "the ball is in someone's court" can be used in a sentence:
1. After presenting the proposal, it is now up to the board to make a decision. The ball is in their court.
2. I've reached out to Sarah to discuss the project, and now the ball is in her court to schedule a meeting.
3. We've made an offer on the house, and now the ball is in the seller's court to accept or negotiate.
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