take the floor

idiomatic phrase

1

: to rise (as in a meeting or a legislative assembly) to begin speaking to a group

With Lott and Gramm staring at him as he took the floor during debate, McCain called the bill "seriously skewed," but said he would vote for it.

—Newsweek

At precisely 6:45 a.m. the rowdiness ceases as Sailor, a union safety expert, takes the floor for his weekly lecture.

—Jack Friedman

2

: to go out onto a dance floor to begin dancing

Several couples took the floor.

… the younger people took the floor, and all the elders sneaked back to their chairs …

—Sinclair Lewis

3

: to go out onto a basketball court to begin playing

Phillips hopes the scouts notice his quickness, his vision, … the way he changes the flow of a game as soon as he takes the floor.

—John Gustafson

Examples of take the floor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On day one of the women’s gymnastics qualifications in Paris, a nervous Biles took the floor to warm up. —Kayla Blanton, SELF, 25 Oct. 2024

Bronny, 20, took the floor of the Lakers' opening night game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, Oct. 22, marking the USC alum's first minutes playing in the pro-league. —Natasha Dye, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024

The downside may be evident as early as Wednesday night when the Embiid-less, George-less Sixers take the floor against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. —Bryan Toporek, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

The primary pieces of the roster haven’t played many minutes, but when those top players have taken the floor, it’s been remarkable. —Nick Crain, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined at sense 1