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

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 • Dec. 11, 2025

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

While he was rehabbing, he wondered whether he would ever take the floor with Durant and Irving in Brooklyn.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 26, 2022

In a gaffe, they happened to take the floor at the moment the Marine Band was playing “The Lady Is a Tramp,” which caused plenty of awkward chagrin.

From New York Times • Sep. 8, 2022

Well, Miss Morgan, now you may take the floor.

From Hope Mills or, Between Friend and Sweetheart by Douglas, Amanda Minnie

Related Words

• call
• discuss
• talk