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

This month, Watkins and Davidson finally were able to take the floor together, just as Gottlieb had envisioned.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2026

“It was great to just take the floor and get to see everyone get to compete together,” coach Tina Langley said.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 6, 2023

Representatives of each parliamentary group will then take the floor and Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne will conclude the debate.

From New York Times • Mar. 20, 2023

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

He was at the ball given to the Prince of Wales in the Academy of Music, being the first after the royal guest to take the floor for the waltz.

From Fifth Avenue by Maurice, Arthur Bartlett

Related Words

• call
• discuss
• talk