Your Turn (Ball Is in Your Court)

In conversation, your turn means the responsibility, decision, or next action now belongs to the other person. Speakers use it when one person has done their part and now expects a reply, choice, or move from someone else. It appears often in Idioms because the idiom turns a simple image into a shared social meaning.

Idea	Example
The idiom shows that the next decision belongs to the other person.	The proposal is ready, so it is your turn now.
The idiom can signal that a reply is expected.	I answered your question, and now it is your turn.
The idiom can also mark a shift in responsibility.	We have explained the problem, so it is your turn to respond.

Common Use

Your turn is a neutral idiom used in informal and semi formal conversation. It is common in decisions, negotiations, meetings, requests, and planning, where one speaker waits for another person to act or answer. It is widely understood in US and UK English and across many international settings.

Region	Word or Phrase	Regional Definition	Example
US	Your turn	This is common in everyday American English and sounds natural in ordinary conversation.	I gave my opinion, and now it is your turn.
UK	Your turn	This is also common in British English and works in both casual and workplace talk.	We have heard the options, so it is your turn.
International	Your turn	This idiom is widely understood by learners and speakers around the world.	The team is ready, so it is your turn to choose.
Informal	Your move	This casual variant is common in fast speech and sounds more relaxed.	I made my choice, so your move now.
Casual	You're up	This very short form is often used in quick spoken exchanges.	I finished, so you are up.

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Near Expressions

Several related expressions carry a similar message of transfer or responsibility. Your move is close in meaning and often sounds more casual, while you are up is a short spoken cue for the next person. Over to you and decision is yours are useful alternatives when the speaker wants the other person to take the next step, and they can fit situations similar to Break the Ice or Spill the Beans when conversation is moving toward a response.

Word or Phrase	Definition	Example
Your move	This means it is the other person's action or decision next.	I have asked my question, so your move.
You're up	This means the other person must speak or act next.	I shared my idea, and now you're up.
Over to you	This means control or responsibility shifts to the other person.	We have finished our part, so over to you.
Decision is yours	This means the choice belongs to the other person.	I can suggest a time, but the decision is yours.

Multiple Choice

Which idea matches "your move" most closely?

It means the speaker has won the argument.

It is the other person's next action or decision.

It means the speaker wants to end the topic forever.

It means the other person must stay silent.

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Response Style

When someone says your turn, the reply can accept the responsibility, ask for more time, or invite another option. In formal writing, literal wording is often better, because the idiom is more natural in conversation than in official documents. It is also useful in situations that connect with Blue Moon Idiom when speakers want a relaxed, natural tone instead of a rigid one.

Idea	Example
Accept the turn and act.	All right, it is my turn, so I will answer now.
Ask for time before deciding.	I am not ready yet, so can I have a little time?
Offer another option.	If you prefer, I can go first and then you can decide.

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Conversation

Two line exchanges show how the idiom works in real speech, with one person handing over responsibility and the other responding naturally. In these exchanges, the phrase can mark a meeting decision, a choice in planning, or a simple request for the next step. The same meaning stays clear even when speakers use short casual forms like your move or you are up.

Word or Phrase	Definition	Example
Meeting turn	The speaker passes the decision to another person.	A: I have given my view. B: Thanks, now it is your turn.
Planning turn	The speaker asks the other person to choose next.	A: I booked the venue. B: Great, your turn to pick the time.
Negotiation turn	The speaker waits for a response or counteroffer.	A: We have made our offer. B: Understood, now it is your turn.
Reply turn	The speaker expects an answer after a request.	A: I sent the details yesterday. B: Sorry, it is your turn to reply now.