Hold the floor Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Public Speaking Used when someone is speaking at length in public, often in politics. During the debate, the candidate held the floor impressively. Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Literal 'Hold the floor' can be metaphorical, not just physically standing and speaking. She held the floor on the conference call, detailing the new policy. Pro Tip 3/3Control Tactics It can be a strategy to control a conversation or outcome. He held the floor to prevent opposition from voicing concerns.