Level playing field

Meaning

The idiom "level playing field" refers to a situation where everyone has an equal chance or opportunity, regardless of their background or advantage. It suggests that there are no favoritisms, biases, or uneven advantages that may give some people an edge over others in achieving a particular goal or objective. In other words, it means treating everyone equally and ensuring that all competitors or participants have the same rules to play by.

Usage

• The new CEO's management style ensured that employees had a level playing field, regardless of their seniority or department.
• The school district has implemented policies to create a level playing field for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
• The sports team must ensure that the playing field is evenly balanced and offers no advantage to any player.
• In order to achieve true gender equality, we must strive for a level playing field where everyone has an equal chance to succeed.
• The game's rules were designed to provide a level playing field for all players, regardless of their skill or experience. The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context. In some cases, it may refer specifically to a competitive situation, such as sports or business. In other cases, it may be used more broadly to describe a situation where everyone has an equal opportunity to participate or contribute.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "level playing field" is not definitively known, but it has been in use since at least the 19th century. One possible explanation for its origins comes from the world of sports, where a level playing field refers to a fair and evenly balanced surface that allows all players to perform at their best. This concept was first popularized by the modern Olympic Games, which were founded on the principles of fair competition and equality. Over time, the idiom has been applied to a wider range of situations beyond sports, including education, business, and politics. It has become a powerful symbol of justice and fairness, and is often used to advocate for equal treatment and opportunities for all individuals.

Synonyms in English

• Equal footing
• All on the same level
• On the same playing ground
• Fair game
• Level field

Synonyms in other languages

• Égalité en France
• Gleichheit in Deutschland
• Gelijke behandeling in Nederland
• Ljudska prava u Hrvatskoj
• 平甽性在中国

Similar Idioms

• lights are on but nobody is home

• love me, love my dog

• line in the sand