PhrasesHub

To corner a market

    Definitions

      • Dominating a market
        Refers to a situation where one company or individual has a significant advantage or control over a particular market, making it difficult for competitors to enter or thrive

      • Manipulating a market
        Describes the act of artificially driving up or controlling the price of a commodity or stock in a market through buying or hoarding large quantities of it

      • Trap or corner someone
        Used in a more literal sense to refer to the act of trapping or cornering someone in a physical space or situation, making it difficult for them to escape or maneuver

    Examples of To corner a market

    • The pharmaceutical company has successfully cornered the market for cancer treatments, leaving its competitors struggling to catch up.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where a company or individual has gained complete control over a particular product or service, making it difficult for others to enter or compete in the market. The phrase "corner the market" comes from the practice of physically cornering a market for a specific commodity, such as grain or cattle, in order to control prices and supply. In this example, the pharmaceutical company has achieved a dominant position in the market for cancer treatments, giving it a significant advantage over its competitors.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "to corner a market" is commonly used to describe a situation where someone or a company has a strong and dominant position in a particular market, making it difficult for others to compete. This can be achieved through various means such as having a unique product or service, controlling a large portion of the market share, or having strong brand recognition.

    In some cases, the idiom can also refer to the manipulation of a market, particularly in the financial world. This can involve artificially driving up the price of a commodity or stock in order to make a profit, often at the expense of others.

    In a more literal sense, the idiom can also be used to describe the act of trapping or cornering someone. This can be in a physical sense, where someone is physically cornered and unable to move, or in a figurative sense where someone is trapped in a difficult or disadvantageous situation.

    Origin of "To corner a market"

    The origin of the idiom "to corner a market" can be traced back to the world of finance and trading. It is believed to have originated in the late 19th century, during the rise of the stock market and the development of modern capitalism.

    At that time, there was a surge in the demand for various commodities such as wheat, cotton, and oil, leading to a rise in their prices. This created an opportunity for traders to profit by buying and hoarding large quantities of these commodities, causing the prices to rise even higher. This practice became known as "cornering the market."

    The term "cornering" comes from the idea of trapping or cornering an animal in a physical space, making it unable to escape. Similarly, in the financial world, "cornering a market" refers to the act of trapping or controlling a particular commodity or stock, making it difficult for others to compete. Over time, this phrase evolved to become the commonly used idiom we know today.