A level playing field means fair conditions: everyone has the same chance, and nobody starts with an advantage. Level is an adjective here, meaning flat: a pitch with no slope, so nobody runs downhill. People use it about sport, competitions, hiring and markets: small firms want a level playing field. The verb version is level the playing field, to make chances equal.
When would you say a level playing field?
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create a level playing field for someone; compete on a level playing field; level the playing field
- Providing the same equipment gives all teams a level playing field.
- Small suppliers want to compete on a level playing field with larger companies.
- The organisers changed the entry rules to create a level playing field for new clubs.
What changed
First versionThe shared training space creates a level playing field to local teams.
RevisionThe shared training space creates a level playing field for local teams.
Give something to someone is such a common pattern that to feels right: the conditions are given to the teams. But this idiom introduces the people who benefit with for: a level playing field for local teams. To was replaced with for.
Equal results means the same outcome. A level playing field means the same starting conditions, and the strongest can still win: The new rules created a level playing field, but the best team still won. Fair competition is close, but the idiom puts the focus on a start with no head start.
Your turn
Equal access to equipment creates a level playing field ___ all participants.
Show the answer
for — The people who get equal conditions are introduced with for: a level playing field for all participants. To doesn't work here.
Suggest one change to the rules of a competition, university admissions or hiring that would give everyone an equal chance.
Offering the same practice materials creates a level playing field for applicants from different schools.
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