PhrasesHub

Level playing field

    Definitions

      • equal opportunity
        To describe a situation or environment where all participants have the same chances for success or victory, without any unfair advantages or disadvantages

      • fair competition
        To refer to a situation where all competitors have an equal chance to succeed, without any external factors influencing the outcome in their favor

    Examples of Level playing field

    • The government has promised to create a level playing field for small businesses by implementing policies that will make it easier for them to compete with larger corporations.

      This idiom refers to a situation where all parties involved have equal opportunities and advantages. In business, it means that small businesses should not be at a disadvantage due to factors such as government regulation, market conditions, or competition from larger companies. By creating a level playing field, the government aims to promote fair competition and help small businesses succeed.

    • The new sports league is committed to providing a level playing field for all teams, regardless of their location or resources.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in a sports context. In sports, a level playing field means that all teams have an equal chance of winning, regardless of factors such as home advantage, travel distance, or financial resources. By ensuring a level playing field, the league can promote fair competition and help smaller or less well-resourced teams compete on equal terms with more established teams.

    • The hiring process for this job will be conducted on a level playing field, with all candidates being assessed based on their skills and experience, rather than factors such as gender, race, or age.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in a job recruitment context. In this case, a level playing field means that all candidates are assessed fairly and equally, without any unfair advantages or disadvantages being given to any particular candidate based on factors such as gender, race, or age. By ensuring a level playing field, the employer can promote fair competition and ensure that the best candidate is selected for the job.

    • The government has pledged to create a level playing field for women in business by implementing policies that will help to address the gender pay gap and promote greater equality of opportunity.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in a gender equality context. In this case, a level playing field means that women should have equal opportunities and advantages in the workplace, without any unfair disadvantages being imposed due to factors such as gender, race, or age. By creating a level playing field, the government aims to promote greater equality of opportunity and help women to succeed in business.

    • The new education policy aims to create a level playing field for students from all backgrounds, by providing them with equal access to resources and opportunities, regardless of factors such as income, ethnicity, or location.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in an education context. In this case, a level playing field means that all students should have equal access to resources and opportunities, without any unfair disadvantages being imposed due to factors such as income, ethnicity, or location. By creating a level playing field, the education policy aims to promote greater equality of opportunity and help all students to succeed in their studies.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "level playing field" is used to convey the idea of equal opportunities and fair competition. It is often used in discussions about sports, politics, and business, where the goal is to create an environment where everyone has an equal chance to succeed.

    This idiom can also be used to describe a situation where all parties involved are starting from the same point, without any advantages or disadvantages. It can be used to advocate for fairness and equality in various contexts, such as education, employment, and social justice.

    Origin of "Level playing field"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to sports, specifically to the game of cricket. In this game, the playing field must be level, or flat, to ensure fair competition for both teams. This idea then spread to other sports and eventually became a common metaphor for fairness and equality in other areas of life.

    The phrase "level playing field" was first recorded in 1892 in a book about cricket, but it gained widespread usage in the 1980s and 1990s with the rise of globalization and the push for fair trade practices in business. It is now a commonly used phrase in everyday language to advocate for equal opportunities and fair competition.