take the field

Idioms and Phrases

Enter a competition, as in The country's best spellers took the field in the national spelling bee . This term originated around 1600 when it meant “to open a military campaign.” The field here is the field of battle. The term has been used figuratively almost as long, the first recorded use being in 1614.

Example Sentences

For that matter, how could he work up the nerve to make a promise to safety Derwin James Jr. before taking the field for that drive?

From Los Angeles Times

Worn out, the Chargers defense had to take the field again quickly when the offense went three and out and lost 12 yards on a sack.

From Los Angeles Times

When he takes the field Saturday against Nebraska, he’ll become the first passer of Polynesian descent to start a game at quarterback for USC.

From Los Angeles Times

There was also Motie’s catch and a sensational one-handed grab at slip by Buttler, who gave up the gloves and dropped down to number three as he finally took the field in England’s white-ball rebuild.

From BBC

Few, though, have the physical skills that Maiava will bring to the position, when he takes the field against Nebraska on Nov. 16.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• attack
• battle
• challenge
• clash
• meet
• protect
• resist