🎾 the ball’s in your court
“The ball’s in your court” - It’s your turn. This sporting expression became popular in the United States and Canada in the mid-twentieth century, deriving from tennis, where the game continues when the ball reaches the other player’s side. Sometimes phrased as “It’s your ball,” this idiom emphasizes that the next move is up to the recipient. Check out David Hagberg’s Countdown (1990) for a literary reference: “‘No,’ the DCI agreed, ‘As I said, the ball is in your court.’”
Synonyms
- Your move
- The next step is yours
- Your turn to act
- The stage is yours
Antonyms
- My move
- The decision rests with me
- I’ve got the ball
Related Terms and Expressions
- Take the reins
- On the receiving end
- The gears are in your hands
- The decision outweighs on you
Inspirational Quote
“It doesn’t get easier, you get better. The ball’s in your court—take the shot!” — Unknown
Similar Proverbs
- “You snooze, you lose.”
- “The early bird catches the worm.”
- “Make hay while the sun shines.”
Suggested Literature
- Catch-22 by Joseph Heller — When the ball’s in your court, sometimes there’s just no winning.
- The Secret to Hitting Successful Innovation Home Runs by Randy Garn
- Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson — Finding your cheese when the ball is in your court!
Entertaining Movies
- Moneyball (2011) — When the ball was in their court, they changed the game.
- Jerry Maguire (1996) — Show them the money when the ball is in your court.
- The Wizard of Oz (1939) — Dorothy sure handled the ball when it landed in her court!
Songs Worth Listening
- Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
- We Will Rock You by Queen — To mentally prepare you for the moment the ball’s in your court.
- Lose Yourself by Eminem — Just to remind you, “you only get one shot.”
Thought-provoking Farewell
When you find yourself with the ball in your court, remember: It’s not about the challenge you’re faced with, but the shot you take. Make it count and reach for the stars.
### Which of these sports-derived idioms means “It’s your turn”?
- [ ] Kick off the game
- [ ] Level the playing field
- [x] The ball’s in your court
- [ ] Go the distance
> **Explanation:** "The ball’s in your court" means it’s your turn. The other options are either unrelated or do not carry the same meaning.
### Choose the correct sports phrase:
- [ ] Swing for the fences when it rains
- [x] Go to bat for someone
- [ ] Attend the goalpost
- [ ] Tackle your groundwork
> **Explanation:** "Go to bat for someone" means to support or defend them. The other options are fictitious.
### True or False: "The ball's in your court" means you've made the final decision.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** This idiom actually means it is your turn to make a decision or take action, not that you have made the final call.
