hold the floor

hold the floor

To address an audience as the sole speaker or presenting group, especially at length and in an official capacity. The senator held the floor in support of the bill for nearly eight hours yesterday. Tom is holding the floor right now. You'll have your turn to respond after he's finished.See also: floor, hold

ˌhold the ˈfloor

speak at a public meeting, etc. for a long time, often stopping others from speaking: The American delegation held the floor for three quarters of an hour, putting forward their proposals.See also: floor, hold