English Reference
Idiom idiom

debris field


Any area, non-dependent of locale, space, or contour, that contains the debris of wreckage, impact, sinking, or other material that once constituted a complete object. Debris fields can be found at the site of air crashes, water vessel sinking, explosions of buildings, collapses, and other events that render a whole entity into components, pieces, or other non-whole items.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

The investigators searched the large debris field for clues.

The explosion leaves a wide debris field across the empty parking lot.

A messy debris field marks the spot where the two trucks crashed.

CONTEXTUAL

After the satellite exploded in orbit, tracking the resulting debris field became a priority for the space agency.

Rescue teams spent hours clearing the debris field left behind after the tornado destroyed several homes in the valley.

Local volunteers helped clean up the debris field that washed onto the beach after the heavy storm.

COMPLEX

Divers carefully mapped the vast debris field on the ocean floor to understand how the historic vessel broke apart during its final descent.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    cede the field

    To withdraw from any confrontational or potentially confrontational situation; to avoid participating in a competition or contest.

  2. 02

    center field

    A central role in some activity that requires speed.

  3. 03

    field day

    A great time or a great deal to do; a period of bustling activity.

  4. 04

    leave it all on the field

    Used to remind players not to dwell on minor mistakes, issues or conflicts that happened during the course of play.

  5. 05

    open field

    A situation with no obstacles or limitations; a clear opportunity to act freely or without significant competition.

  6. 06

    play the field

    To have numerous romantic partners, without or before committing exclusively to one.

  7. 07

    potter's field

    A public place where strangers, paupers, and criminals are buried.

  8. 08

    reality distortion field

    The persuasive ability of a leader or entrepreneur, especially in misleading or convincing others in order to promote a product or service.

Last updated August 10, 2026