English idiom

level playing field

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

a fair situation in which no one has an unfair advantage

Why this phrase?

From sports: a field with no slope favoring one team.

Example

“Open weights give small teams a more level playing field.”

Dictionary details

Component words

level field

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

play the field

to date several people without committing to one partner

give someone a run for their money

to compete nearly as well as a much stronger opponent, forcing them to work hard for victory

a taste of your own medicine

The same unpleasant treatment that you have given to others.

deep pockets

having a great deal of money to spend

get the better of

to defeat someone or gain control over a person or feeling

gold rush

a sudden mass rush to profit from a new opportunity

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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