The following idioms and expressions use 'game'. Each idiom or expression has a definition and two example sentences to help understand these common idiomatic expressions.
Ahead of the Game
To have an advantage over a situation
- I need to get up early to keep ahead of the game.
- Try studying 30 minutes before you go to bed to stay ahead of the game in math.
- Can you give me any tips so I can keep ahead of the game at work?
At This Stage of the Game
At a certain point in a process
- I think you should talk to a lawyer at this stage of the game.
- He feels like he's sure to win at this stage of the game.
- I'm not sure we're ready to launch the product at this stage of the game.
Fair Game
Something that is allowed to take advantage of
- I think it's fair game to enter that market.
- She told me her friend wasn't fair game.
- I've decided to not focus on that region. It's fair game if you want to take over.
Fun and Games
Enjoyable activities
- You know working at a newspaper isn't all fun and games.
- Let's make sure to enjoy the fun and games before we leave.
- I think he was surprised that the new job wasn't all fun and games.
Game That Two Can Play
Used generally to refer to a negative tactic that someone could also use to compete
- You know that's a game that two can play. If you try it, I'll do the same to you.
- She doesn't realize that she's playing a game that two can play. It will come back to bite her.
- He warned me that my ratting her out to the teacher was a game two could play.
Give the Game Away
Reveal a secret
- If I tell you our plans, I'll give the game away.
- He gave the game away when he said that he had been in New York on business.
- Don't give the game away! We'll never get ahead if you tell everybody before we've even begun!
Name of the Game
The type of activity mentioned
- Winning at any cost is the name of the game in finding a job these days.
- Do you really think that being completely dishonest is the name of the game?
- She feels that making the right connections is the name of the game in Hollywood.
New Ball Game
A new situation
- I think we've just entered a whole new ball game with that deal!
- Remember that Chicago is a completely new ball game. It'll be very challenging.
- Now that we've moved to Seattle, you'll have to remember that it's a whole new ball game. You can do anything you want.
The Game Is Up
The situation is lost and has a negative outcome
- I realized the game was up and packed my bags to come home and start again.
- She told him the game was up and that she was moving out.
- Well, the game is up and we're going to have to close down the company.
