Competition & Winning

Meaning

At an equal level in a competition, with almost no difference between two sides.

Example

"The two candidates are neck and neck in the latest polls."

Conversation questions

• Have you ever been neck and neck with someone in a competition or exam?
• Do close contests motivate you, or make you more nervous?

Meaning

Better prepared or more advanced than other people.

Example

"By automating the process early, the company stayed ahead of the game."

Conversation questions

• What helps people stay ahead of the game in your industry?
• Do you enjoy preparing early, or do you usually work under pressure?

Meaning

To have an advantage or more control in a situation.

Example

"Because they own the patent, they have the upper hand in the negotiation."

Conversation questions

• What gives someone the upper hand in a negotiation?
• Is it possible to have the upper hand without abusing it?

Meaning

To make a situation fairer by reducing unfair advantages.

Example

"The new funding programme helped level the playing field for smaller schools."

Conversation questions

• What policies could level the playing field in education or work?
• Do you think competition is ever truly fair?

Meaning

To gain an advantage over someone by acting before they do.

Example

"They stole a march on their rivals by launching the app months earlier."

Conversation questions

• How can businesses steal a march on their competitors?
• Does acting first always lead to an advantage, or can it backfire?

Meaning

To unfairly change the rules or expectations after something has started.

Example

"We finished the project on time, but then the client moved the goalposts and asked for more."

Conversation questions

• Have you ever felt that someone moved the goalposts on you?
• Why does changing expectations late create so much frustration?