# have the floor

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/have-the-floor
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To have permission or time to speak, especially in a formal situation.

## Examples

- You have the floor, so please tell us your idea.
- After the chairperson finished her opening remarks, she told the committee members that they had the floor to discuss the proposal.
- Once the professor concluded his lecture, he granted the students the floor to debate the complex ethical implications of the research findings.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.