In the following question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the English idiom or phrase “The ball is in your court”.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests understanding of a very common English idiom, “the ball is in your court”. Idioms are fixed expressions whose meanings cannot be guessed from individual words alone. Competitive exams often use idioms to check whether candidates are familiar with natural, conversational English. Knowing the meaning and usage of this phrase helps in both listening and speaking situations, especially in discussions and negotiations.

Given Data / Assumptions:
The idiom given is “Ball is in your court” and four interpretations are offered. The learner must choose the option that most accurately explains what this phrase means in everyday communication. We assume that the context is any situation where one person has to respond or decide after another has acted.

Concept / Approach:
The expression comes from games like tennis, badminton, and other court sports, where the ball literally crosses from one side of the court to the other. When the ball is on your side, it is your turn to play. Similarly, in conversation or decision making, if the ball is in your court, it means that the responsibility to act, decide, or respond is now yours. So we are looking for an option that captures the idea of “it is your turn to do something now”.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that in sports, the ball crossing into your side means it is your move. The idiom keeps this same idea in a figurative way. Step 2: Read option (a): “Put the blame on the other person.” This talks about blame, which is not part of the idiom's core meaning. Step 3: Read option (b): “Request someone to return your belonging.” This refers to asking for an item back and does not express the idea of decision making. Step 4: Read option (c): “It is up to you to make the next decision or step.” This directly matches the sense that the next move or responsibility lies with “you”. Step 5: Read option (d): “To tell someone politely about his or her mistake.” This is related to feedback or correction, not turn taking or responsibility.

Verification / Alternative check:
In real life, one might say, “I have already sent them my proposal, now the ball is in their court.” This clearly means “now they have to respond or take the next step”. There is no element of blame, polite correction, or returning an object. Other examples: “I have done everything I can; the ball is in your court” means “you must decide now”. Such sentences confirm that the correct interpretation focuses on responsibility and the next decision.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Put the blame on the other person” describes accusing someone, which is not implied by the idiom.
“Request someone to return your belonging” is about possession and asking for one's property; again this is unrelated.
“To tell someone politely about his or her mistake” relates to giving feedback or criticism, which has nothing to do with whose turn it is to act.
Only the third option captures the sense of turn and responsibility.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes focus too literally on “ball” and imagine games or playful situations, which can distract from the central idea of responsibility. Another pitfall is mixing this idiom up with others about blame or fault because of the word “your”. Remember that the key concept is who must act next, not who is wrong. To avoid confusion, always connect “ball is in your court” with the idea of “your turn now”.

Final Answer:
The idiom “Ball is in your court” means It is up to you to make the next decision or step.