field of honour

A knight rides onto the field of honour for a joust.

Definition

Noun (plural: fields of honour)

1. A place where a duel or battle is fought: "field of honour" refers to the location where a formal duel or a military battle takes place, especially in historical contexts where personal or national reputation is at stake. It emphasizes the idea that the combat is conducted according to a code of honour.

   • The two gentlemen met on the field of honour at dawn to settle their dispute. (The location where a duel was held.)
   • Many soldiers died on the field of honour during the war. (The battlefield where honour was defended.)

2. A sphere of activity in which one can earn respect or distinction: In a broader, figurative sense, "field of honour" can mean any arena (such as a profession, sport, or competition) where individuals strive to achieve recognition, glory, or moral integrity.

   • The Olympic Games are a field of honour for athletes from around the world. (A competitive arena where honour is earned.)
   • In academia, the pursuit of truth is considered a field of honour. (A domain where ethical conduct and excellence are valued.)

Usage Examples

• (A formal duel location.)
• (The battlefield of a tournament or war.)
• (A metaphorical arena for principled action.)

Advanced Usage

• "to meet on the field of honour": a formal phrase meaning to engage in a duel or battle.
  • They agreed to meet on the field of honour to resolve their quarrel. (They decided to duel.)
• "to die on the field of honour": to die in battle, especially in a heroic or honourable manner.
  • The general died on the field of honour, leading his troops. (He died in combat, upholding his duty.)

Variants and Related Words

• Field (n): an area of open land, or a domain of activity.
  • The farmer worked in the field. (An agricultural area.)
• Honour (n): personal integrity, reputation, or respect.
  • He acted with honour in all his dealings. (He behaved ethically.)
• Honourable (adj): deserving of respect or esteem.
  • She received an honourable discharge from the army. (A respectful release from service.)

Synonyms

• Battlefield: a place where a battle is fought.
  • The battlefield was littered with debris. (The physical location of combat.)
• Arena: a place or sphere of activity, especially competition.
  • The courtroom became an arena for legal debate. (A metaphorical field of contest.)
• Tournament ground: a location for jousting or chivalric contests.
  • Knights gathered on the tournament ground. (A specific type of field of honour.)

Related Idioms

• A field of dreams: an ideal or perfect place or situation (not directly synonymous, but metaphorically similar).
  • For him, the stage was a field of dreams. (A place where aspirations are realized.)
• To die with honour: to die in a way that preserves one's dignity.
  • He chose to die with honour rather than surrender. (To maintain integrity in death.)