Competition idioms

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».

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

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 strategy worked out in advance, a plan for achieving success: «Our team needs to develop a game ______ for growing our social media presence this year».

To talk to someone for a short time to find out how they are or what they think about something: «I just wanted to quickly touch ______ with you: did you get an email from my secretary about the meeting?»

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 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 give your attention to what you are doing at the time: «You have to keep your eye on the ______ in business».

If the ball is in someone's ______, they have to do something before any progress can be made in a situation.

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

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.»»

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».

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

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».

To be in charge or in control of a situation: «In this company, women are in the driving ______».

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 last part of something that is being done. «It's taken three months, but we're on the home ______ now».»

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».