left field

noun

1. Baseball.
   1. the area of the outfield to the left of center field, as viewed from home plate.
   2. the position of the player covering this area.
2. Slang. a position or circumstance that is remote from an ordinary or general trend.

left-field

adjective

1. informal.
   regarded as being outside the mainstream; unconventional

Word History and Origins

Origin of left field¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Word History and Origins

Origin of left field¹

C20: from baseball term left field, the area of the outfield to the batter's left, regarded as the scene of little action

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. out in left field, Slang. completely mistaken; wrong.

More idioms and phrases containing left field

see out in left field .

Example Sentences

The Dodgers’ top prospect, catcher Dalton Rushing, can also provide depth after finishing this past season playing left field in triple-A.

From Los Angeles Times

Her husband was in left field; her brother-in-law was also on the team.

From Los Angeles Times

Freeman was forced to test his ankle in the first inning when his liner struck the angled part of the wall down the left field line and bounced past oncoming Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo.

From Los Angeles Times

Imperial Valley farmers left fields dry temporarily to help ease the Colorado River’s shortage.

From Los Angeles Times

Tatis, fresh off a two-homer display in San Diego’s Game 2 win, was all over it, going to the second deck in left field for a stadium-erupting blast and a 6-1 lead.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disproportionate
• improper
• incorrect
• irrelevant
• tasteless
• unseemly
• unsuitable
• wrong