chair a meeting

Idioms are generally defined as groups of words that form a meaningful whole when they come together, even though the words in them do not make sense on their own. They have produced many idioms according to their own cultural characteristics in communities using the English language. What does chair a meeting mean? In what situations is chair a meeting used?

Meaning of "chair a meeting"

Meaning

To ‘chair a meeting’ is to preside over a meeting in a position of authority and take responsibility for leading it to a successful and timely conclusion. The person 'chairing' the meeting is often the one who is leading the discussion and mediation of any disputes, as well as introducing and summarizing the agenda.

Etymology

The phrase 'chair a meeting' dates back to the late 18th century and is derived from the Latin word 'cathedra', which translates to 'seat' or 'chair'. This is the origin of the word 'chairman', which is the highest-ranking member of a board or council and the leader of any meeting or discussion.

Usage

The phrase 'chair a meeting' is mainly used in formal or professional settings, such as board meetings or conferences. It is used to indicate that the person leading the meeting has the authority and responsibility to ensure that it runs smoothly and that the agenda is discussed and addressed. The phrase is also used in the informal setting among friends, colleagues, or family members to denote who has the responsibility and authority for overseeing the discussion and ensuring that it is productive and constructive.

Example Sentences

• The CEO will be chairing the meeting, so please make sure all of your questions and comments are prepared in advance.
• The mayor will be chairing the meeting this afternoon to discuss the proposed development.
• Emily will be chairing the meeting for our team project, so make sure to bring your notes and be ready to discuss the agenda.

The Global Spread of English Idioms

As English has become a global language, its idioms have spread far beyond the borders of the UK and USA. For instance, the idiom "beat around the bush" has equivalents in many other languages, such as "tourner autour du pot" in French and "dar vueltas al asunto" in Spanish. Meanwhile, other idioms have been adapted for local contexts, such as the Russian idiom "?? ???? ???????" (ne svoya rubashka), which translates to "not one's own shirt," meaning to be in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.