To waste effort on something when there is no chance of succeeding: «He keeps trying to get it published but I think he's flogging a dead ______».

To fail to keep working to reach a goal: «Public schools have dropped the ______ when it comes to teaching kids about art and music».

The person, idea, or product that seems most likely to succeed: «I hear that movie is the ______ runner for the Best Picture Oscar».

A competition in which one participant is superior to the others and thus more likely to win: «After interviewing all of the job candidates, it's clearly a one-horse ______. Nobody can beat Kim's experience and qualifications».

To do something extraordinarily well: «Her presentation was clear, informative, and engaging. She really knocked it out of the ______».

Used to tell someone that you cannot accept an invitation now, but would like to do so at a later time: «Mind if I take a rain ______ on that drink? I have to work late tonight».

A situation that is fair because everyone has the same chance of succeeding: «The regulations will create a level playing ______ for food manufacturers in the EU.»»

As good as what was expected, required, or demanded; satisfactory or adequate: «The client did not think the deck our team put together was up to ______, so we had to make a lot of changes».

If two competitors are neck and ______, they are level with each other and have an equal chance of winning.

To learn or understand the basic details of how to do or perform a job, task, or activity: «We have a few high-priority projects we need to get done now, so you'll need to learn the ______ on your own».

To know more about the most recent developments in a particular subject or activity than the people or companies you are competing against: «A very extensive research and development programme ensures that we're ahead of the ______».

To change the rules while someone is trying to do something in order to make it more difficult for them: «We'd almost signed the contract when the other guys moved the ______ and said they wanted more money».