13 September 2026 Expression of the Week

It's up to you.

"It's up to you"

"It's up to you" is a very common expression in everyday English. We use it when we want to let another person make a decision.

Meaning

When someone says:

"It's up to you."

they usually mean:

"You can decide."

or

"The choice is yours."

The speaker is saying that the other person is free to make the decision.

Common Use #1: Letting Someone Choose

This is the most common use. The speaker doesn't mind which option is chosen, so they let the other person decide.

Example:

  • A: "Which movie should we watch?"

  • B: "It's up to you."

Meaning: You decide. I don't mind.

Common Use #2: Giving Someone the Final Decision

Sometimes the speaker has an opinion, but wants the other person to make the final decision.

Example:

  • A: "Should I take the train or drive?"

  • B: "I think the train is probably better, but it's up to you."

Here, B gives an opinion but leaves the final decision to A.

Depending on the speaker's tone of voice, "It's up to you" can sound friendly and relaxed, or slightly uninterested.

Common Use #3: Responsibility Is Yours

Sometimes "It's up to you" has a slightly different meaning. It can mean that someone is responsible for doing something.

Example:

  • Manager: "It's up to you to organise the meeting."

Meaning: You are responsible for organising the meeting.

Compare:

  • "Should we order pizza?"

    • "It's up to you."

    • Choice

  • "It's up to you to lock the office."

    • Responsibility

Other Expressions with a Similar Meaning

  1. "The choice is yours."

  2. "You decide."

  3. "It's your call."

  4. "I don't mind."

  5. "Either is fine with me."

  6. "I'll leave it to you."

  7. "Whatever works for you."

  8. "That's for you to decide."

Learner's Tip

When you hear:

"It's up to you."

the speaker is usually saying:

"You can decide."

But sometimes it means:

"You are responsible for it."

The context will tell you which meaning is intended.

From the US TV series, Superstore

From the US/Canadian TV series, The Handmaid's Tale

From the US TV series, Glee

From the US TV series, Starsky and Hutch

From the US TV series, Brooklyn Nine-Nine