level the playing field meaning?

Question

What is the meaning of "to level the playing field" idiom?

Answer 1

 

Idiom Conjugations:

 

Answer 2

Gerund Form of the Idiom:

Leveling the playing field can help to make a situation fairer.
 

Answer 3

Idiom Usage:

As a noun:

A level playing field.

"We need a level playing field if this negotiation is to be fair."
 

With qualifiers (for example):

A level academic playing field.
A level constitutional playing field.
A level philosophical playing field.

 
 
To level the playing field can be used formally or informally.
 

Answer 4

Idiom Scenario 2:

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The captains of two football teams are discussing the conditions of an upcoming exhibition match being played for charity...

Captain 1: I think the match may be a little uneven. Your team is the best in the league and ours is composed of celebrity amateurs.
Captain 2: I see what you mean. It may not be a very fun game for the fans to watch.
Captain 1: How can we level the playing field?
Captain 2: How about if we give you five points to start the game?
Captain 1: That should make the match much fairer and a lot more fun for the fans.

 

Answer 5

Idiom Scenario 1:

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A boss is talking to two of his employees ...

The Boss: OK boys! Today I'm going to evaluate your performance. You each have your orders to pick and fill. You have four hours. Any questions?
Ralph: I have eight orders to fill and George only has six. Is that fair?
George: But your orders are smaller.
Ralph: Regardless, the total number of items for your six orders is one hundred. My eight orders have one hundred and twenty-five items.
Boss: You do have a point, Ralph. Perhaps I should level the playing field by allowing you an extra hour to compensate for the difference.

 

Answer 6

Idiom Definition:

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"to level the playing field"

to change the conditions of a situation so that the conditions are fair for everyone involved

Synonyms: accord, adjust, attune, collate, compensate, counterbalance, democratize, equal, equalize, equate, even, handicap, harmonize, match, neutralize, offset, parallel, readjust, regularize, set, smooth, square, standardize, steady, tie