C1 Advanced Use of English Column
Test your English, learn and get better with our fortnight Use of English quiz.
C1 Use of English Quick Quiz
Do You Remember?
Revise the previous quizzes from our Advanced Use of English column. Good luck!
We hope our fortnight quizzes will do the trick. Not only will they help you step out of your comfort zone as an English learner, they will also enhance your English proficiency in the Cambridge C1 Advanced exam. Whatever the case might be ;), just try all out and you will get there!
Time to dive into the origins of an idiom!
In the limelight today:
THE BALL IS IN YOUR COURT
Meaning
It is now someone’s responsibility or turn to take action, make a decision or respond after someone has made an offer or a proposal.
Example
I’ve given you all the information you need to make a decision. The ball is in your court now.
Origin
The origin of this idiom comes from the game of tennis. In tennis, when one player hits the ball to the other player, the ball is said to be “in play.” The other player must then hit the ball back over the net to continue the game. When the ball is hit back to the original player, it is said to be “in their court.” This means that they now have the opportunity to hit the ball back to their opponent and continue the game.
You’ve armed yourself with your daily dose of knowledge, have you! Now you do deserve a study break!
Stay tuned for more words of advice and handy material!
