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to hold the floor
01
to be brave or sociable enough to deliver a lengthy public speech without allowing any interruption
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "hold the floor" and when to use it?
The idiom "hold the floor" originated from parliamentary proceedings, where a speaker is granted the right to address an assembly or group without interruption. In this context, holding the floor means maintaining the right to speak continuously. Beyond formal settings, the phrase is commonly used in everyday language to indicate that someone has control of the conversation or is the primary speaker, often commanding attention and preventing others from interrupting.
Examples
During the debate, the senator held the floor for an extended period, passionately arguing for the proposed legislation.
In the team meeting, the project manager held the floor to provide updates on the current status and address concerns.
