On today's program we talk about the word “field .” But which one ? There are many different kinds of fields . First , we will talk about fields in which you can work . A common question when you first meet someone in the States is , “What field do you work in ?” or simply “What is your field ?” Work fields are usually general . For example , if you are a doctor you would answer that you work in the medical field . A lawyer is in the legal field . And a marketing specialist's field is business . If you are a farmer , you might work in another kind of field --an area of open land planted with crops . Some farmers work in the fields from sunup to sundown . Now , another kind of field is also outside but we use this one for sports activities . And this type of field has led to several common expressions . Fair play is an issue in most sports . No one wants to watch or play a game in which one team has an unfair advantage over another . Everyone wants a level playing field -- but not just in sports . We use this expression anytime fairness is important . A level playing field is when the conditions of competition are fair or even . This expression comes from the fact that for a sports field to be fair , it must be the same for both teams . In “level playing field ,” the word “level ” is an adjective . But we can also use it as a verb . So , if you level the playing field , you have done a good thing ! You have given everyone equal conditions for success . Now , let's go back to sports , in particular baseball . When playing baseball , the infielders and outfielders are the ones who field the balls . They catch the balls hit or thrown in the field and then make the best play they can . So , we can say they are playing in the field . However , they are not playing the field . That is something completely different ! Playing the field has nothing to do with sports . We use it mostly to talk about dating . Someone who plays the field is romantically involved with more than one person . The horses in a race are “the field .” And in that field of horses there are the favorites -- those considered most likely to win . And there are long shots -- those less likely to win . Long shots are riskier to bet on , but they pay more money if they win . So gamblers often bet on other horses other than the favorite . They would play the field -- or several horses in the race . Maybe you have heard of this expression before or maybe it came out of left field . “To come out of left field ” or simply “out of left field " is another baseball term . It means something is a surprise to you . You were not expecting it at all ! Other times it can describe something strange or odd . Word experts dispute its exact origin . One possibility comes from how a baseball player scores . A runner on third base -- in position to score at home plate -- has his back to left field . As he runs home to score , he cannot see the ball thrown to home base by the left fielder . And then -- surprise ! -- he's out at home plate ! I hope you have enjoyed today's show on field expressions . And , believe me , there are others . We could have a field day on the subject ! But , that will have to be another day !