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.

Example Sentences

A percentage of babies born every day will manifest queer characteristics, and though countless strongmen have left fields of carnage in attempts to manage so-called bloodlines, nobody can override such DNA destiny.

Read more on Salon

Lux, whom the Dodgers traded away after signing Hyeseong Kim in January, has served in a utility role this year, getting starts at second base, left field and as the designated hitter.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Teo played the season last year in left field, so we’ve shown that we can win a championship with him in left field,” Roberts said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And as a result, tough decisions could loom in left field, at second base and in the bullpen — forcing the issues for a number of players at various spots on the roster.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Bradley's appointment as captain came from left field.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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