The spelling of the word "left fields" can be somewhat confusing due to the presence of a silent "s". This is because the word originates from the phrase "left-hand fields," where "hand" was eventually dropped over time. The correct pronunciation of the word is /lɛft fiːldz/, with the "s" being silent. Despite the irregularity of this spelling, it is an important term used in sports like baseball and cricket to describe the part of the outfield on the batter's left-hand side.
"Left fields" is a colloquial expression that does not have a widely recognized dictionary definition. However, the term can be understood through its figurative meaning.
In a literal sense, a baseball field is divided into a number of areas, with "left field" referring to the area of the field positioned to the left of the batter when facing the pitcher's mound. However, when used in a figurative sense, "left fields" generally implies unexpected or unconventional ideas, concepts, or behaviors that are outside of the mainstream or common knowledge.
When someone describes a person's thoughts or actions as coming from "left fields," they are suggesting that these thoughts or actions are eccentric, strange, or unusual. The term can also imply that the ideas or behaviors are disconnected from or irrelevant to the current topic of discussion.
For example, if someone were discussing a serious and logical issue, and another person suddenly brought up an unrelated and bizarre topic, it might be said that they are coming from "left fields." Similarly, if someone were to propose a radical solution or theory that is not generally accepted or considered conventional, their ideas might be described as coming from "left fields."
Overall, "left fields" is a figurative expression used to convey the notion of unexpected, unconventional, or peculiar ideas, thoughts, or behaviors that deviate from the norm or expected path in a given context.
The word "left field" originated in baseball and its etymology can be traced back to the late 19th century. In baseball, the playing field is divided into three main sections: left field, center field, and right field. These sections indicate the areas of the outfield that players defend.
The term "left field" was first used in the late 1870s to refer to the area of the outfield on the left side when facing home plate. The reason behind this nomenclature is that baseball fields usually face east, where the sun rises, with the diamond arranged in a northeast-southwest orientation. This means that when standing at home plate, left field is to the left side.
Over time, "left field" gained a figurative meaning outside of baseball. In the early 1900s, it started to be used colloquially to describe something unexpected, strange, or unconventional.