level playing field

level playing field

A situation that is balanced and fair. A handicap in golf serves to create a level playing field between players of varying degrees of skill. The new legislation is intended to create a level playing field for students of all backgrounds.
See also: field, level, play
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

level playing field

Fig. a situation that is fair to all; a situation where everyone has the same opportunity. If we started off with a level playing field, everyone would have an equal chance.
See also: field, level, play
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

a level playing field

COMMON A level playing field is a situation that is fair and where no one has an advantage over other people. At the moment we are not competing on a level playing field. Trade with these nations must be conducted on a level playing field. Note: This expression can be varied, for example by using even or uneven instead of level. Given an even playing field, girls tend to do better at school than boys. Note: If you say that you want to level the playing field, you mean that you want to make a situation fair, by ensuring that nobody has an advantage over other people. Industry analysts say the agreement should help level the playing field.
See also: field, level, play
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

a level playing field

a situation in which everyone has a fair and equal chance of succeeding.
1998 Times Most damagingly, the Brussels-centred concept of ‘the level playing field’ had also proved a wonderfully convenient alibi for protectionist lobbies.
See also: field, level, play
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

a ˌlevel ˈplaying field

a situation in which everyone has the same opportunities: Many small businesses complain that they are not competing on a level playing field and that they are the ones who lose out.
See also: field, level, play
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a level playing field
  • under construction
  • a little green
  • this and that
  • this, that, and the other thing
  • a fair field and no favor
  • a fair field and no favour
  • (as) easy as duck soup
  • cut someone off in their prime
  • prime
References in periodicals archive
The Commission added there is an emergent need for intervention in such political content "intended (or purported to be) for benefiting or discrediting the electoral prospects" of any candidate or political party, for ensuring a level playing field.
Election Commission stalls Modi biopic, NaMo TV till polls
'90 per cent data shows a level playing field is available.
90 per cent data shows level playing field available: FAFEN
Based on the assessment, the study offer recommendations to remove competition distortions in the sector, improve transparency in the bidding process, and create a level playing field for all market players.
CCP Seeks comments of stakeholders , general public on road construction
Sherry Rehman said it was essential and core part of ensuring free, fair, and transparent election to give level playing field to all the political parties contesting the general election but there were reports that media blackout is imposed on some personalities.
Caretaker gov't believes in media freedom: Ali Zafar
All candidates and parties should have a level playing field, they argued.
Academics ask CM Askari to resign if he's unable to make elections fair
Now Newcastle's business improvement district NE1 Ltd has written to Chancellor Philip Hammond to urge him to introduce a new online sales tax, designed to create a "level playing field" for retailers.
Rates of decline; Plea for business tax change to save high street
Commenting on pre-poll rigging probability expressed by some segments, Chairman Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) Sarwar Bari said that according to data received from FAFEN's representatives from 130 districts of the country, 90 percent office-bearers of all contesting political parties have accepted that a level playing field is available for them.
ECP's pro-active role to evade pre-poll rigging stressed
Wayfair has long supported a legislative solution that would establish a level playing field for brick-and-mortar and online retailers by permitting states to collect sales tax on online sales.
Wayfair doesn't sees Supreme Court decision having noticeable impact on business
IT IS time to look at the rules and regulations governing NZNO elections, to make sure there is a level playing field for all candidates.
Time to change election rules
AIRPORT chiefs have repeated calls for a level playing field for English airports with Scotland on Air Passenger Duty (APD).
Airport calls for level playing field with Scots
You know mutual fund industry is known globally as a pass through vehicle, the investors in different schemes abroad have a uniform sort of taxation scheme while in our case it is not like that as we have not been provided a level playing field in Pakistan.
Cover Stories - ASSET MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY OFFERS A PHENOMENAL OPPORTUNITY FOR CAPITAL FORMATION IF LEVEL PLAYING FIELD IS PROVIDED
Asked if he expected to be competing on a level playing field, he said: "It probably won't be.
KILTY: CHEATS A STEP AHEAD; ATHLETICS
Those who are already here, who are seeking to expand and those who are outside but would want to place their investments here would see that they will get a pretty level playing field," she said.
Palace vows to further improve investment climate in PH
Most folks you'll find calling for a level playing field are usually just finagling for a favor, seeking an advantage or working hard to promote their own selfish, self-interest.
Time to level the playing field