take the floor
Begin one's speech
Take the floor means to rise and address an assembly or audience, typically in a formal setting like a meeting, legislative body, or debate.
The phrase derives from the physical act of standing in a designated speaking area.
It can also mean to begin dancing, especially at a formal event: The bride and groom took the floor for their first dance.
In meetings, taking the floor implies having the recognized right to speak while others listen.
- stand upRise to feet
- speakProduce words aloud
- public speakingAddressing a live audience
- get upRise from bed
- presentationFormal display to viewers
address · debate · town hall · speech · rise · talk · make a point · spotlight · oration · hold forth · rhetoric · monologue · command · all eyes on · express · preside · stage · assert
take the floorsit down
Lower onto a surface
step down · fall silent · defer · listen · hand over
take the floorremain silent
hold one's tongue · listen · sit back · observe · keep quiet
take, takes, taken, taking, taker, takers, takeover, uptake, intake