Definition of Ball is In Your Court

What does the term "ball is in your court" mean? What is meant by saying the "ball is in your court"?

The term "ball is in your court" is borrowed from both the tennis world and the basketball world.

"Ball is in your court" refers to when you are waiting for somebody to make the next move.

For instance - let's say that there is a house for sale for $400,000, and you make an offer for $375,000. The potential sellers need to decide whether to accept the bid or counter, so the ball is said to be in their court.

In the world of tennis, if the ball is in the other person's court, this means that you are waiting for them to serve or return your shot in order to further the action.

In the world of basketball, if the ball is in your opponent's court (their half of the court), you are waiting for them to advance the ball and try to score.

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This is what the term "ball is in your court" means - it means that you have acted and are waiting for somebody else to make the next move.