take the field

Idioms  

1. Enter a competition, as in The country's best spellers took the field in the national spelling bee. This term originated around 1600 when it meant “to open a military campaign.” The field here is the field of battle. The term has been used figuratively almost as long, the first recorded use being in 1614.

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Example Sentences

I want more people playing rugby, rather than being scared to take the field.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

On Thursday, Mendoza will take the field for the first time as a Heisman winner, adding another layer of intensity to his game.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2025

Players who once languished at the end of the bench for Georgia or Ohio State now leap to programs where they can actually take the field.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025

In order to get back into the series, England must end a 17-Test winless run in Australia when they take the field at the Adelaide Oval.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2025

“Some of you haven’t played before, been in the spotlight,” said assistant coach Tam Hollingshead in those waning hours before Permian would take the field against El Paso Austin.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

Related Words

• attack
• battle
• challenge
• clash
• meet
• protect
• resist