It’s Up to You – तुम पर निर्भर है / तुम्हारी मर्जी Meaning & Explanation

The idiom “It’s up to you” is often used to indicate that the responsibility or decision regarding a situation lies with the person being addressed. When someone says “It’s up to you,” they are giving the other person the freedom to decide or make a choice. It’s a way of deferring responsibility and showing trust in the other person’s judgment.

✔ Used when giving someone the freedom to make a decision
✔ Expresses that the responsibility is with the other person
✔ Commonly used when there are multiple options available
✔ Shows respect for the other person’s judgment and choice

Hindi Equivalent:
“तुम पर निर्भर है / तुम्हारी मर्जी”
(यह कहावत तब उपयोग की जाती है जब किसी स्थिति का निर्णय या जिम्मेदारी उस व्यक्ति पर छोड़ी जाती है। इसका मतलब होता है कि अब यह व्यक्ति तय करेगा कि क्या करना है।)

Detailed Explanation
The phrase “It’s up to you” is used to tell someone that the choice or decision is theirs to make. It’s often said when a decision needs to be made, and there are no restrictions on the person’s choice. The speaker is not imposing their own opinion and is allowing the other person to decide freely. This idiom is commonly used in situations where there are multiple options, and the speaker trusts the other person to make the best decision.

For instance, if someone asks whether they should go for a movie or dinner, you might say, “It’s up to you” as a way of letting them decide. It also reflects the fact that the responsibility for the choice now lies with them.

When to Use the Idiom

• When you want to give someone the freedom to decide without imposing your opinion.
• When you want to indicate that the decision lies with the other person.
• When you are offering options and leaving it to the other person to choose.
• When you want to show respect for the other person’s autonomy.

Real-Life Examples

For Giving Freedom of Choice
English: “Do you want to watch the movie now or later?”
Response: “It’s up to you.”
Hindi: “क्या तुम अभी फिल्म देखना चाहते हो या बाद में?”
उत्तर: “तुम पर निर्भर है।”

For Letting Someone Decide
English: “I’m not sure where we should go for dinner. What do you think?”
Response: “It’s up to you.”
Hindi: “मुझे नहीं पता कि हमें डिनर कहाँ जाना चाहिए। तुम क्या सोचते हो?”
उत्तर: “तुम पर निर्भर है।”

For Giving Control in a Decision
English: “Should we go by car or take the bus?”
Response: “It’s up to you.”
Hindi: “हमें कार से जाना चाहिए या बस से?”
उत्तर: “तुम पर निर्भर है।”

Psychological & Social Insight

Why This Phrase Matters:
✓ Empowers the other person: Saying “It’s up to you” gives the other person the feeling of control and responsibility, which can boost their confidence in making the right decision.
✓ Fosters trust: By saying “It’s up to you,” you’re showing that you trust the other person’s judgment and believe they can make a wise choice.
✓ Prevents pressure: It can also relieve pressure from the speaker, as they are not making the decision for the other person. It makes the situation feel less forced or obligatory.

Benefits of Using This Idiom:

• Promotes autonomy: It empowers the listener to make their own decisions, allowing them to feel independent and in control.
• Fosters collaboration: By leaving the decision to the other person, you encourage a more collaborative approach, where both parties contribute to the outcome.
• Encourages confidence: When you give someone the freedom to choose, it shows you trust them, which can increase their confidence in the decision-making process.

Usage Tips
✔ Be clear when giving options: If you’re using this phrase, ensure that the other person knows that there are indeed multiple options, and they can choose freely.
✔ Use it to show trust: Saying “It’s up to you” indicates that you respect the other person’s ability to make decisions, so be sincere when using it.
✔ Avoid overusing it in critical situations: If the decision is too important or serious, be mindful of when to use this phrase. In such cases, offering guidance or suggesting options might be more appropriate.

Similar Expressions

English	Hindi
“The choice is yours”	“चुनाव तुम्हारा है”
“You decide”	“तुम फैसला करो”
“It’s your call”	“यह तुम्हारा निर्णय है”
“It’s your decision”	“यह तुम्हारा निर्णय है”

Cultural Perspectives
Western View: In Western cultures, “It’s up to you” is frequently used to show that the person being addressed is in control of their choices. It reflects a respect for individual freedom and autonomy in decision-making.
Indian Context: In India, the phrase “तुम पर निर्भर है” is used in similar contexts to convey that the person being spoken to is the one who will make the final decision. It emphasizes the value of personal choice and responsibility.
Global Relevance: This idiom is widely used in various cultures and languages, especially when decisions need to be made, and no preference is being imposed.

Reflection Questions:

• Have you ever used the phrase “It’s up to you” to let someone make a decision? How did it influence the situation?
• How does saying “It’s up to you” show respect for the other person’s opinion and judgment?
• Can you think of a situation where saying “It’s up to you” might not be appropriate? What would be a better way to handle that situation?