IDIOMS
World of sports
IN ENGLISH, THE BUSINESS WORLD DRAWS SIGNIFICANT INSPIRATION FROM THE WORLD OF SPORTS, WHICH IS REFLECTED IN MANY COMMONLY USED EXPRESSIONS. WE HAVE COMPILED A LIST OF OVER 130 SUCH EXPRESSIONS, COMPLETE WITH EXPLANATIONS AND EXAMPLES.
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD.
This expression is used when all conditions are the same for an individual or a company. It implies that there is no favouritism or unfair advantage, and that success will depend primarily on merit, performance, or the quality of the proposal.
The expression comes from the world of sports, more specifically from sports played on a field. A 'level playing field' refers to a perfectly even surface, where neither team benefits from an advantage related to playing conditions, including the so-called 'home team'.
Examples of use in a business context:
This new software will level the playing field and allow everyone to trade with the same information.
With this first round of selection finished, the remaining candidates are on a level playing field - may the best win.
By giving us the same price quote, all providers are on a level playing field, and the winning factor will be the proposal itself.