In the idiom question, select the option that best represents the meaning of the phrase "carry the ball".

Introduction / Context:
The idiom carry the ball originates from team sports, where the person with the ball has responsibility for advancing the play. In business and everyday speech, the expression is used to talk about taking responsibility for a project, task or situation. The question asks for the option that captures this figurative meaning.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The idiom is carry the ball.

The options refer to different roles and actions, such as decorating a ball, being in charge, taking a decision, being a hostess and acting as a messenger.

The phrase comes from sports but is now used metaphorically.

We must choose the meaning that is closest to being responsible for something important.

We assume standard American and international English usage.

Concept / Approach:
In its idiomatic sense, carry the ball means to take primary responsibility for completing a task, making progress on a project or leading an effort. It is not about physically carrying an object or making a single decision. Among the options, be in charge best matches this sense of ongoing responsibility and leadership.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that in sports, the player who carries the ball is the one taking active responsibility for moving the team forward. Step 2: Translate that idea into everyday work situations: the person who carries the ball on a project is the one who leads or manages it. Step 3: Examine option B, be in charge. This means to have control and responsibility over something, which closely matches the idiom. Step 4: Examine option C, take the decision. Although decision making is a part of leadership, the idiom emphasises ongoing responsibility, not only a single act of deciding. Step 5: Examine options A, D and E. None of these relate to responsibility or leadership; they describe unrelated actions.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider a sentence: She is the one who really carries the ball on this project. Substituting be in charge gives She is the one who is really in charge of this project, which has nearly the same meaning. Replacing with take the decision gives an unnatural reading, because carrying the ball implies more than simply making decisions. Thus, be in charge is the closest and most accurate paraphrase.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Decorate the ball refers to a physical act and has no connection to project responsibility. Take the decision focuses only on making a choice at a single point in time and does not reflect the continuous responsibility suggested by the idiom. Be the hostess describes a social role at a party, which is completely unrelated. Act as a messenger suggests carrying messages, not carrying responsibility or leading.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners may be distracted by options that sound vaguely important, such as take the decision, and ignore the fuller sense of responsibility implied by the idiom. It is helpful to think of the sports origin and visualise the player who must protect and advance the ball as a symbol of leadership and responsibility.

Final Answer:
The idiom carry the ball means be in charge, especially of a project or important task.