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

Graham took the floor late Friday morning, calling his critics “politically dumb as a rock.”

From Salon

Rather, Merkley would eliminate what’s come to be called “the silent filibuster” and force lawmakers to actually take the floor and publicly press their case until they prevail, give up or physically give out.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, an onslaught of injuries prevented those five from taking the floor together at all.

From Los Angeles Times

The New York Knicks won’t be as desperate when they take the floor in Indianapolis for Game 3 earlier in the evening.

From Seattle Times

She will get another chance to qualify for the all-around competition at nationals when she takes the floor at the the U.S.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• call
• discuss
• talk