to change the playing field
1
6.2
- idiom
:
cambiar las reglas del juego
- The introduction of remote work options will change the playing field for job seekers everywhere.
Examples
-
Then came the computer, which changed the playing field.
Blog text (6) -
Those were series that changed the playing field in different ways for television.
Blog text (4) -
They want to change the playing field and will use any method to do it.
Blog text (7) -
The majority look to collaborate and compete fairly while working together to change the playing field, note the SWRA.
Blog text (30) -
Initially, only domestic dog densities to the west of the Serengeti were considered high enough to be a reservoir for rabies, but Kaare and Cleaveland realized that human population growth on the eastern side had changed the playing field.
Academic text (2009) -
The new regulations are expected to change the playing field for small businesses competing with larger corporations.
-
Implementing these technologies will change the playing field for how we approach environmental conservation.
Synonyms
10
4.0
To make a big difference in a situation that gives a clear advantage
Antonyms
How Game-Changing
Surface Forms
Morphology
change + the + playing + field
The meaning is directly derivable from the constituents: 'change' = alter and 'playing field' = the arena or conditions where play/competition occurs, so together they mean to alter the conditions of competition. This is a common sports-to-competition metaphor built from frequent words and is likely to be understood by a B1 learner who knows the parts.
Etymology
The phrase change the playing field comes from sports: a playing field is where teams play, so changing that field or the rules can change who wins. That's why to change the playing field means 'to change the situation' or the conditions of competition.