field day

Definition

A day for maneuvers and tactical exercises in the field (across the landscape).

Etymology

Some postulate the idiomatic usage is derived from the "parade day" military use. A parade is much easier than the soldiers’ usual drilling and intense exercise.

Example Sentences

• "This morning I got up, with great difficulty, at 6.30, and at 7.45 we started out for a Brigade Field Day. Did an attack from 10.30 to 2.30, but it wasn't a strenuous one for me as I was told to "become a casualty" soon after the 3000 yard assault began …."
• "They went to the park and had a field day playing on the swings."
• "A family of frisky squirrels was having a field day amongst the towering obstacle course of foliage."