Definition

1. Verb:
   • To go onto the playing field, especially at the start of a game: This meaning refers to a sports team, particularly in American football, moving from the sidelines onto the field to begin play or to start a new half.
   • To go on a military campaign; to go off to war: This meaning describes an army or military force moving out from its base or garrison to engage in battle or begin a campaign.

Usage Examples

• Verb (Sports):
  • After the halftime break, the team will take the field for the second half.
  • The home team took the field to a roar of applause from the crowd.
• Verb (Military):
  • The regiment was ordered to take the field against the invading forces.
  • In 1944, many young soldiers took the field for the first time.

Advanced Usage

• "to take the field against [an opponent]": This phrase is used in both contexts to specify the opposing team or enemy force.
  • The university's team will take the field against their oldest rivals this Saturday.
  • The general prepared his troops to take the field against the rebel army.

Variants and Related Words

• Take to the field: A less common but synonymous phrasal verb with the same meanings.
  • The players are ready to take to the field.

Synonyms

• Enter the field (for sports).
• Deploy or March out (for military).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Take the court: A similar idiom used for sports played on a court, like basketball or tennis.
  • The tennis players are about to take the court for the final match.
• Take the mound: A specific idiom in baseball for when a pitcher goes to the pitcher's mound to start pitching.
  • The rookie will take the mound for the first time tonight.

Related Idioms

• Take up arms: This idiom is related to the military meaning, meaning to prepare to fight.
  • The citizens were forced to take up arms to defend their town.

Verb

1. go on the playing field, of a football team
2. go on a campaign; go off to war