Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
🎯 Special advantage 🏁 Inner race path
inside track

inside track

3 5.2
A special advantage that gives someone a better chance to succeed
  • noun
  • /ˈɪnˌsaɪd træk/
translation icon : ventaja
  • From what I can tell, the only way to run a successful business is to have the inside track on a government contract.
  • get the inside track

Examples

  • Scott McDougall has won the inside track to the best album of the year with "Words to Hold On To."

    Blog text (11)

  • The developers have the inside track, and the city isn't lifting a finger.

    Blog text (25)

  • So Stan definitely had the inside track on that one.

    30 Years of Garbage: The Garbage Pail Kids Story (2017)

  • And our little football team is undefeated and has the inside track to both the division and home-field advantage.

    Blog text (27)

  • This is an important matchup as the winner will have an inside track to a favorable seed in the VHSL Group A, Division 1 playoffs. Both teams are much improved.

    Blog text (2)

  • The Nebraska Cornhuskers, with first place in the B1G West Division on the line and the inside track to Indianapolis for the conference title game, are in a crucial position.

    Blog text (2)

  • Aldon was given the inside track, but Fangio pointed out early in mini-camps that if Aldon didn't play well in run support, PH would get more minutes.

    Blog text (6)

  • Chad Frantzen has the inside track for a starting position on the team due to his impressive performance in practice.

  • By attending exclusive industry events, she gained the inside track on job openings before they were advertised.

  • The student who interned at the company has the inside track on landing a full-time job after graduation.

Synonyms

advantage
vsinside track
∞ 2.8

Something that helps a person do better than others

is a particular privileged state based on special knowledge or access
edge
vsinside track
310 3.8

A small advantage that makes someone more likely to win or succeed

is a stronger privileged position often giving clearer success chances
inner circle
vsinside track
45 4.9

A small trusted group of people with special power or access in an organization

is a privileged individual position gained through special access
inside information
vsinside track
22 5.4

Secret facts not known to the public that give an advantage

is a privileged position that provides access rather than just information
fast track
vsinside track
19 3.9

A quick route to success or promotion

is about holding a privileged position rather than speeding the process
favorable position
vsinside track
  • US
1 3.8

A situation that gives someone an advantage over others

is a more specific privileged spot gained through special access

Antonyms

disadvantage
108 2.9

A condition that makes it harder to succeed or compete

How Advantageous

inside track
3 5.2
leg up
  • Informal
14 3.4
edge
310 3.8

Surface Forms

inside track singular
inside tracks plural

Morphology

inside + track

The meaning derives metaphorically from the literal image of being on the 'inside' of a racing 'track' (an inner lane giving a competitive edge), so there is a visible link between the constituents and the idiomatic sense of having an advantage. However, this is a figurative extension rather than a straightforward compositional meaning, so a B1 learner who only knows the words may not predict the idiomatic sense without prior exposure.

Etymology

Inside track comes from racing. If you are on the inside track, you run a shorter way around the turn, so you have a better chance to win. That's why inside track now means a 'special advantage' or 'privileged position' that helps someone succeed.