Meaning
It’s your turn to make a decision or take action.
Primary Function
Decision responsibility shift.
Communicative Purpose
To indicate that the next step lies with the other person.
Pattern
the ball is in ; court
Core Structure
the ball is in ; court
Função primária
Decision responsibility shift.
Propósito comunicativo
To indicate that the next step lies with the other person.
Situações de gatilho
Negotiations, invitations, project follow-ups.
Contextos
Business emails, personal arrangements.
Padrão
the ball is in ; court
Estrutura central
the ball is in ; court
Slots de substituição
[possessive] → your, his, their
Colocados típicos
- now
- so
- I’ve done my part
Substituições comuns
- it’s up to you
Erros comuns
*the ball is on your court* (preposition)
Similar / contraste
the next move is yours, I’ll leave it with you
Interferências
No actual ball or court.
Família do chunk
- Responsibility-shifting idioms
Nuance
Discreetly passes pressure without overt confrontation.
Efeito pragmático
Reframes responsibility as a procedural hand‑off rather than blame.
Dica de memória
Tennis ball landing on opponent’s side.
Nota
This idiom is often used in formal and professional settings to politely yet firmly shift responsibility to the other party.
Upgrade path
the onus is on you (formal)
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