E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Balle.
Prendre la balle au bond (French). Strike while the iron is hot; make hay while the sun shines. The allusion is to certain games at ball, which must be struck at the moment of the rebound.
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Renvoyer la balle à quelqu’un (French). To pay one off in his own coin. Literally, to strike back the ball to the sender.
