take the podium

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiom

   To step up to a raised stand in order to give a speech or address an audience.

   Grammar: Used as a complete verb phrase with no object: someone takes the podium. Do not say 'take the podium something'.

   Patterns

   • take the podium to do something
   • take the podium at an event

   The mayor took the podium and thanked everyone who had helped with the cleanup.

   After a short introduction, the scientist took the podium to explain the new findings.

   She was nervous the first time she took the podium in front of such a large crowd.

2. 2phraseidiom

   To go up to a raised stand to receive a prize or to be formally honored.

   Grammar: Often used at ceremonies and award shows; the person is the subject and no object follows.

   Patterns

   • take the podium to accept something
   • take the podium as a winner

   The young pianist took the podium to accept the gold medal.

   One by one, the winners took the podium and shook the judge's hand.

   He took the podium as the crowd gave him a long round of applause.

Common combinations

take the podium to speak

The coach took the podium to speak about the team's hard work.

take the podium at a conference

Several experts will take the podium at the conference next week.

step up to the podium

She stepped up to the podium and adjusted the microphone.

approach the podium

The winner approached the podium slowly, smiling at the audience.

Synonyms and how they differ

take the stage

This means to go on stage to perform or speak, and it is used more for entertainment events than for formal speeches.

give a speech

This focuses on the act of speaking rather than on the physical movement to a raised stand.

address an audience

This is more formal and simply means to speak to a group, without mentioning a podium.

Word family

podium noun

The raised stand itself, from which a speaker or winner is seen by the crowd.

lectern noun

A stand that holds notes or a book for a speaker; it may or may not be on a podium.

Commonly confused: take the podium or podium? take the podium or stage?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “take the podium”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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