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level playing field

level playing field

21 3.5
A situation where everyone has the same fair chance to succeed
  • noun
translation icon : igualdad de condiciones
  • An open Internet ensures a level playing field for online entrepreneurs and users alike.
  • ensure a level playing field
  • create a level playing field
  • compete on a level playing field

They want a fair or a level playing field.

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Examples

  • The public plan option must be "on a level playing field with the private plans."

    Blog text (13)
  • It's a level playing field.

  • What they should do is create a level playing field in international.

  • Again, this idea of a level playing field, fair rules.

  • You think it's a level playing field out here?

  • Finally, a level playing field for people like us.

  • A properly working and efficient free market operates on a level playing field for all.

    Blog text (19)
  • It could be an opportunity to right wrongs and to create a more level playing field for women.

  • Schools may use ropes courses or problem-solving initiatives to create this level playing field.

    Academic text (2005)
  • An open Internet ensures a level playing field for online entrepreneurs and users alike.

Synonyms

equality
vslevel playing field
293 2.2

People have the same rights, position, and opportunities

stresses fair competition chances rather than overall social sameness
fairness
vslevel playing field
236 1.9

Treating people equally and without bias

applies to equal competitive chances rather than general moral quality
equity
vslevel playing field
  • Formal
46 5.3

Fair and equal treatment of people, for example at work or school

is about equal chances in contests rather than balancing needs or resources
equal opportunity
vslevel playing field
25 3.1

The idea that everyone should have the same chance for jobs, school, or promotion whatever their background

focuses on equal chances across life rather than just competition
fair play
vslevel playing field
16 3.0

Honest behavior that treats everyone the same and follows the rules in sport or competition

focuses on equal chance to compete rather than correct conduct
fair shake
vslevel playing field
  • Informal
16 6.0

An equal chance to succeed and be treated the same as others

is about equal opportunity in contests not just fair treatment generally
fair playing field
vslevel playing field
1 3.3

A situation where everyone has an equal chance and no one has unfair advantages

is the same in meaning but uses a different common phrasing
fair suck of the sav
vslevel playing field
  • Australian
9.9

An equal chance to take part or benefit

is used more casually than the formal concept of equal competition
fair shake of the sauce bottle
vslevel playing field
  • Australian
9.9

A fair chance to take part or succeed

is a playful informal way to ask for equal chance rather than formal rule
equality and fairness
vslevel playing field
3.3

People have the same rights and chances

is focused more narrowly on equal competitive chances rather than broad justice

Antonyms

183 4.2

A situation where some people have fewer rights or chances than others

How Fair

level playing field
21 3.5

Surface Forms

Morphology

level + playing + field

The phrase literally describes a 'playing field' that is 'level' (even), so a learner who knows the constituents can plausibly infer an idea of equal conditions; however the extension from a literal sports pitch to the abstract sense of fair chances is a metaphorical jump. Because the meaning requires mapping a concrete image to an abstract concept, it is partially predictable but not fully transparent without exposure.

Etymology

Level playing field comes from sports. If a playing field is level, the ground is flat so the ball and players are not helped by one side, and that's why the phrase means 'a situation where everyone has the same fair chance'.