the name of the game

Register · Informal Informal — used in casual, everyday conversation among friends and family. Avoid in formal writing or professional settings. CEFR B1

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Figurative meaning

the central, most important aspect of a situation

Why this phrase?

What the game is actually called — i.e., what it is actually about.

Example

“In marketplaces, liquidity is the name of the game.”

Dictionary details

Component words

game name

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

game changer Neutral · CEFR B2

a new development that fundamentally alters a situation or market

name names Neutral · CEFR B1

to identify specific people, especially those linked to wrongdoing or secrecy

ahead of the game Neutral · CEFR B2

to stay better prepared than others by anticipating future needs

fair game Neutral · CEFR B2

a person or thing considered an acceptable target for pursuit or criticism

skin in the game Neutral · CEFR C1

personal risk or investment in a venture, aligning your interests with its outcome

have bigger fish to fry Informal · CEFR B2

To have more important matters to deal with.

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.

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