the ball is in (one's) court

the ball is in (one's) court

One has the responsibility for further action, especially after someone else previously held responsibility. The phrase originated in tennis. Well, they invited you, so the ball is in your court now. Do you want to go out with them or not?
See also: ball, court
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

the ball is in someone's court

Fig. to be someone else's move, play, or turn. (From tennis.) The ball's in your court now. You do something. I can't do anything as long as the ball is in John's court.
See also: ball, court
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

ball's in your court, the

It's your responsibility now; it's up to you. For example, I've done all I can; now the ball's in your court. This term comes from tennis, where it means it is the opponent's turn to serve or return the ball, and has been transferred to other activities. [Second half of 1900s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

the ball is in your court

COMMON If the ball is in your court, it is your responsibility to decide what to do next in a particular situation. We've made him an offer but now he has to decide whether to accept: the ball is in his court. Note: This expression refers to the game of tennis.
See also: ball, court
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

the ball is in someone's court

it is that particular person's turn to act next.
This expression is a metaphor from tennis or a similar ball game where different players use particular areas of a marked court.
See also: ball, court
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

the ball is in your/somebody’s ˈcourt

it is somebody’s turn to speak, act, etc. next: I’ve given them a list of the changes that I think are necessary, so the ball’s in their court now.
See also: ball, court
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

the ball is in someone’s court

phr. to be someone else’s move, play, or turn. I can’t do anything as long as the ball is in John’s court.
See also: ball, court
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

ball's in your court, the

It’s your turn. The expression comes from sports and became current in the United States and Canada in the mid-twentieth century. It is sometimes put as “It’s your ball.” David Hagberg has it in Countdown (1990): “‘No,’ the DCI agreed, ‘As I said, the ball is in your court.’”
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • ball's in your court, the
  • the ball is in court
  • the ball is in someone’s court
  • the ball is in someone's court
  • the ball is in your court
  • the ball is in your/somebody's court
  • take charge
  • deep water
  • peril
  • at (one's) own peril