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

See Examples For:

take the field

Meanwhile, the entire foundation of the sport could be different the next time the Dodgers take the field.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026

That means when the Dodgers and Atlanta Braves take the field Saturday for the National League Division Series, it could be as hot as 95 degrees on the field.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2026

The following day, Rana refused to take the field, leaving England waiting in the middle for play that did not get under way.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026

The jersey belonged to Carl Nassib, who in 2021 became the league’s “first openly gay player to take the field in a regular-season game.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026

“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

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Related Words

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

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