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

The veteran prop, 36, will enter rarefied air on Sunday when he takes the field in Christchurch against the Canterbury Crusaders as he closes in on the all-time appearance record of 202.

From Barron's

Bad Bunny’s performance was controversial before he even took the field.

From Los Angeles Times

The game was over, with the other offense never getting a chance to take the field in overtime.

From Los Angeles Times

When Ohio State took the field against Miami here for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal, it was expected to mark the start of another imperious march toward the title game.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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