center field

center field

1. In baseball, the area of the field beyond second base and in the middle of the outfield. Primarily heard in US. He hit the ball into center field—and right into the glove of the outfielder. Wow, Lewis just hit a homer to the deepest part of the park—right over the wall in center field. A: "How'd Chris get on base?" B: "His hit dropped in between second base and center field."

2. In baseball, the position of a player who occupies and defends the center of the field. Primarily heard in US. My goal is to be fast enough to play center field next year. Hey, if Corey's playing center field, he's the captain out there, and you have to listen if he calls you off. I hate playing center field in cavernous ballparks like this—there's just so much ground to cover.

3. A position between extremes or in line with what is generally accepted or understood. Often used with "left of" or "right of" (usually referring to political ideology) to indicate a more biased position. The president has been accused by both political parties of wanting to stay in center field on the issue of tax reform. Once I heard John's liberal ideas, I knew his beliefs were left of center field. I'm a registered independent because my political beliefs tend to fall in center field—not too far right or left.

See also: center, field

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.