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E = Mr. Ervin L = Lucy
E: I’ve been trying to reach someone in your company for hours.
L: I apologize. The lines have been really busy today.
E: Listen! The washing machine I purchased yesterday has some design flaws. I want a refund or an exchange.
L: Yes, sir. I understand.
E: The ball is in your court. I need an immediate response.
L: Please hold on a minute. Someone will address your issues immediately.
這裡的 court 是指「(網球、籃球等的)球場」。the ball is in someone’s court 是從網球運動衍生出來的俚語。
網球比賽時,雙方擊球一來一往,當「球在某人的球場」時,即表示該方擁有主控權,輪到他出手回擊,引申為「某人採取行動了」。
• Marvin was offered a great contract. Now the ball is in his court to decide if he wants to take it.
馬文收到一份條件優渥的合約。現在就看他決定要不要接受了。
We tried to reach Martin by phone but failed.
我們試著用電話與馬汀取得聯繫卻未成功。
The family was very pleased with the new house.
這家人對新房子感到非常滿意。
Get on with your work. The deadline is approaching.
繼續做你的工作。期限快到了。