left field

noun

1. Baseball.

   1. the area of the outfield to the left of center field, as viewed from home plate.

   2. the position of the player covering this area.

2. Slang.,  a position or circumstance that is remote from an ordinary or general trend.

left-field

adjective

1. informal,  regarded as being outside the mainstream; unconventional

Word History and Origins

Origin of left field¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Word History and Origins

Origin of left field¹

C20: from baseball term left field, the area of the outfield to the batter's left, regarded as the scene of little action

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. out in left field, completely mistaken; wrong.

see out in left field.

Related Words

• disproportionate 
• improper 
• incorrect 
• irrelevant 
• tasteless 
• unseemly 
• unsuitable 
• wrong