PhrasesHub

Corner the market

    Definitions

      • monopolize a market
        To gain control of a particular market or industry, often by buying up or controlling a large portion of the available supply or resources. This can result in having a dominant position and being able to set prices and control competition.

      • dominate a situation
        To have a strong and influential position in a particular situation, often to the detriment of others. This can refer to a variety of scenarios, such as being the only supplier of a necessary product or having a large share of a market.

      • be in a advantageous position
        To be in a favorable position or have an advantage in a particular situation, often due to having control or ownership over a specific market or resource. This can also refer to having a unique or specialized skill or knowledge that sets one apart from others in a competitive market.

    Examples of Corner the market

    • Our company has cornered the market for premium organic coffee beans.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where a particular company or individual has gained complete control over a specific product or service, leaving little or no competition. In our example, our company has become the sole provider of high-quality organic coffee beans, making it difficult for other competitors to enter the market.

    • The pharmaceutical giant has cornered the market for life-saving drugs, leaving patients with no other options.

      In this example, the pharmaceutical company has gained exclusive rights to produce life-saving drugs, leaving patients with no other options for treatment. This can lead to higher prices for the drugs and a lack of competition, which can negatively impact the market.

    • The tech startup has cornered the market for smart home devices, making it the go-to choice for home automation.

      In this example, the tech startup has become the leading provider of smart home devices, making it the go-to choice for home automation. This has given the company a significant advantage over its competitors, as it has established itself as the leading brand in the market.

    • The artisan bakery has cornered the market for artisanal bread, making it a must-try for bread lovers.

      In this example, the artisan bakery has gained a significant following for its artisanal bread, making it a must-try for bread lovers. This has given the bakery a competitive edge over its competitors, as it has established itself as the leading provider of high-quality artisanal bread.

    • The sports team has cornered the market for fan merchandise, with its branded products flying off the shelves.

      In this example, the sports team has gained exclusive rights to produce branded merchandise, such as jerseys, hats, and t-shirts. This has given the team a significant advantage over its competitors, as it has established itself as the leading provider of fan merchandise, with its branded products flying off the shelves.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "corner the market" is commonly used to describe the act of gaining control or dominance over a particular market or industry. This can be achieved through various means, such as buying up a large portion of the available resources or having a unique advantage over competitors. This phrase can also be used to describe having a strong and influential position in a situation, often at the expense of others.

    Origin of "Corner the market"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the stock market in the 19th century. In the trading of stocks, the term "cornering the market" referred to the practice of buying up a large portion of a particular stock, thereby creating a scarcity and driving up the price. This tactic was often used by wealthy and powerful individuals or groups to gain control over a specific market or industry.

    Over time, the meaning of this phrase has expanded to include other industries and situations beyond the stock market. It is now commonly used in business and everyday language to describe the act of dominating or monopolizing a market or situation. The phrase also carries a connotation of being in a advantageous position, whether through strategic planning or sheer luck.