cross the floor

cross the floor

1. Of parliamentary members, to vote against the common trend of one's political party (i.e., vote "against party lines"). Primarily heard in UK, Australia, New Zealand. Though it is largely opposed by the Conservative Party, enough PMs have crossed the floor on this issue that it looks like it might succeed.
2. Of parliamentary members, to leave one's current political party and join another, such that one's legislative seat is physically moved to the new party's location in parliament. Primarily heard in UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand. Following the prime minister's controversial tax bill, several members of his party crossed the floor to the Labor Party.
See also: cross, floor
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

cross the floor

join the opposing side in Parliament. British
The floor of the House of Commons is the open space separating members of the Government and Opposition parties, who sit on benches facing each other across it.
See also: cross, floor
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
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References in classic literature ?
He watched a patch of moonlight cross the floor of their lodging, and, as sometimes happens when the mind is overtaxed, he fell asleep for the rest of the room, but kept awake for the patch of moonlight.
View in context
He lost an important by-election, had an MP cross the floor and then threatened to sack 21 MPs."
"It's horrific" - the view on the street in Shrewsbury
He refuted allegations that he wanted to cross the floor to Botswana Patriotic Front Party (BPF).
Kedikilwe urges Batswana to vote BDP
Our political history is witness to the fact that whenever our legislators have the intention to cross the floor, they find a way out.
Politics of defection
Just seven days later, the Bishop, to the astonishment of his party and constituency electorate, decided to "cross the floor", and in so doing, became the leader of the Democratic Barbados Labour Party, and therefore the leader of the opposition.
It's time for a show of integrity
Prior to the Senate polls, the PTI was under pressure to seek the allegiance of its MPs to stop them to cross the floor and vote to wealthy candidates fielded by the opposition parties.
Imran seeks report from Khattak on horse-trading
Australian cabinet minister Steve Ciobo has cautioned coalition MPs who are expected to cross the floor to demand a banking royal commission.
Australian minister cautions MPs against royal commission
I am not saying they should cross the floor over to SDSM.
ZAEV EXPECTS GOVERNING COALITION TO SURVIVE AND EXPAND
Constable Daniel Finnegan crawled in through the back door and tried to cross the floor under dense smoke but he was beaten back by the heat.
Officers hailed as heroes after fire rescue bid; Inquest told of vain attempt to save OAPs
She insisted she would not "cross the floor" to join a rival party in the House of Commons.
MP Jess: I could resign if Corbyn is re-elected
I disliked seeing Tory MPs cross the floor to join Labour when we were in government - and when former Labour ministers helped the Tories in power.
So wrong to join forces with enemy
I believe that they should cross the floor of the House and join the Conservatives.
MPs should back leader
Now Dancing On Ice has hit the skids, they're 6/1 with William Hill to cross the floor and appear on Strictly Come Dancing.
? CONGRATULATIONS to Lizzy Yarnold [...]; Odds & EVANS with TOM EVANS @TomEvansEcho
Bob Ainsworth, Labour MP for Coventry North East, said of the defection: "When people cross the floor in politics there are always one or two feelings.
ELECTION ROW EX?COUNCILLOR SWITCHES SIDES; Former Tory wants to stand for city council again after move to Labour
The result was that people would stay tuned to the dullest shows through being too idle to cross the floor to change channels.
Flipping marvellous!
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