You have the floor
What is an idiom? An idiom is a phrase or expression. They are tricky to understand as their meanings do not directly relate to the individual words used in the phrase.
Definition:
The idiom "you have the floor" means that it's your turn to speak. It's often used in meetings, discussions, or debates to indicate that you are the one who should talk, and everyone else should listen.
For example, if someone says, "James, you have the floor," it means that James is invited to start speaking. They are giving you permission or inviting you to share your thoughts or opinions with the group
Origin:
The idiom originates from formal meetings and British parliamentary procedures. In such settings, "the floor" refers to the designated area where a person stands to speak to the assembly or group. When someone is given "the floor," it means they have the right or permission to speak while others listen.
This practice dates back to legislative bodies and other formal assemblies where speakers needed to be recognized by the chair or leader before addressing the group.
The idiom is still used today in British and American governments, though it's more common for the Speaker of the House or the presiding officer to use specific phrases like "The Right Honourable Gentleman/Lady has the floor" or "The Senator from California has the floor." The concept of "having the floor" remains integral to parliamentary procedure, where only one person is allowed to speak at a time after being recognized by the Speaker. While the exact phrase might not always be used verbatim, the principle it represents is still very much a part of parliamentary practice.
In the British Parliament, the Speaker of the House controls the debate and decides who "has the floor".
In the U.S. Congress, the control of day-to-day debates is handled differently in the two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
House of Representatives, the Speaker of the House has significant control over the day-to-day debates.
Senate, the Senate Majority Leader primarily controls the day-to-day debates.
Thomas Rowlandson (1756–1827) and Augustus Charles Pugin (1762–1832) (after) John Bluck (fl. 1791–1819), Joseph Constantine Stadler (fl. 1780–1812), Thomas Sutherland (1785–1838), J. Hill, and Harraden (aquatint engravers), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Examples:
Over time, the phrase became more widely used in everyday language to indicate that someone has the opportunity or right to speak in any group discussion or conversation.
Here are some examples of how the idiom can be used in sentences:
Business meeting:
"John, you have the floor. Please go ahead and share your findings from last week's sales report."
Classroom setting:
"Sarah, you have the floor. What are your thoughts on the chapter we just read?"
Debate:
"Mr. Lincoln, you have the floor for the next two minutes to present your argument."
"James has the floor"