a 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.
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
- 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 (one) down in (one's) prime
- prime