Mounting a soapbox is an expression used to describe someone who is speaking out on a particular issue or topic. It is usually done in a public setting, such as a rally or protest, and is often done with the intention of inspiring others to take action. The term 'mounts a soapbox' comes from the phrase 'getting up on one's soapbox, ' which was originally used to describe a speaker standing on a wooden crate or box in order to be seen and heard by a larger audience. The crossword solution for this term is 'ORATES, ' which means to speak in a formal or eloquent manner.