take the floor

Idioms  

1. Rise to speak formally to an assembled group, as in After that long introduction, the treasurer took the floor. This idiom uses floor in the sense of “right to speak,” in turn derived from its meaning as the part of the legislature from which members address the group. [c. 1800]

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Example Sentences

As the Wizards head into the All-Star break, Sheppard is right that Beal, Kuzma and Porzingis haven’t been able to consistently take the floor together.

From Washington Times • Feb. 16, 2023

In a gaffe, they happened to take the floor at the moment the Marine Band was playing “The Lady Is a Tramp,” which caused plenty of awkward chagrin.

From New York Times • Sep. 8, 2022

Their athletic director will then take the floor before BYU volleyball’s next home game, with a microphone in his right hand and small piece of blue paper in his left.

From Washington Post • Aug. 29, 2022

“It’s a totally different energy,” said Crawford, who responded “still?!” when told there was a massive line an hour before Banchero and Holmgren were scheduled to take the floor.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 30, 2022

"My dear child, if you'll take the floor, I'll call the meeting to order," said Mrs. Farrinder.

From The Bostonians, Vol. I (of II) by James, Henry

Related Words

• call
• discuss
• talk