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]

---

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

“It was great to just take the floor and get to see everyone get to compete together,” coach Tina Langley said.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 6, 2023

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

Their athletic director will then take the floor before BYU volleyball’s next home game, with a microphone in his right hand and small piece of blue paper in his left.

From Washington Post • Aug. 29, 2022

I scarcely heard the speeches, and did not have the strength to take the floor myself.

From Waldfried A Novel by Auerbach, Berthold

Related Words

• call
• discuss
• talk