ahead of/behind the game
at an advantage/disadvantage because you have done more/less preparation or know more/less than other people, especially those you are competing against
We'll be able to extract insights out of the data that will enable us to stay ahead of the game.
Politicians are behind the game in understanding how fast the world is changing.
beat somebody at their own game
to defeat or do better than somebody in an activity which they have chosen or in which they think they are strong
be a game
to not be considered to be serious
For her the whole project was just a game.just a game
be on the game
(British English, slang) to be working as a prostitute
be out of the game
to no longer have a chance of winning a game or succeeding in an activity that you are taking part in
be still/back in the game
to still/once again have a good chance of winning a game or succeeding in an activity that you are taking part in
The team was still in the game, just one goal down.
(figurative)He’s been fighting to get the struggling company back in the game.
fun and games
(informal) activities that are not serious and that other people may think are bad
Teaching isn't all fun and games, you know.
the game is up
(informal) said to somebody who has done something wrong, when they are caught and the crime or trick has been discovered
Maggie knew that he had recognized her and the game was up.
game on
(informal) used after something has happened that makes it clear that a contest is not yet decided and anyone could still win
We were losing 2–0 with ten minutes to go, and then we scored. It was game on!
game over
(informal) used to say that it is no longer possible for somebody/something to succeed, survive or continue
Given her recent slump in form, it might be game over already this season.
This technology could mean game over for gasoline-powered vehicles.
The slightest mistake and it's game over for him.
give the game away
to tell a secret, especially by accident; to show something that should be kept hidden
Don't let him talk to anybody or he'll give the game away.
a mug’s game
(disapproving, especially British English) an activity that is unlikely to be successful or make a profit
the name of the game
(informal) the most important aspect of an activity; the most important quality needed for an activity
Hard work is the name of the game if you want to succeed in business.
(the game is) not worth the candle
(old-fashioned, saying) the advantages to be gained from doing something are not great enough, considering the effort or cost involved
If the price goes up again, he may decide that the game’s not worth the candle.
numbers game
a way of considering an activity, etc. that considers only the number of people doing something, things achieved, etc., not with who or what they are
MPs were playing the numbers game as the crucial vote drew closer.
off/on your game
performing badly/well, especially when compared with how well you usually perform
He was off his game and missed two early penalties.
the only game in town
(informal) the most important thing of a particular type, or the only thing that is available
play (a game of) cat and mouse with somebody | play a cat-and-mouse game with somebody
to play a cruel game with somebody in your power by changing your behaviour very often, so that they become nervous and do not know what to expect
He thought the police were playing some elaborate game of cat and mouse and waiting to trap him.
Young car thieves enjoy playing cat and mouse with the police.
play somebody’s game
to do something that helps somebody else’s plans, especially by accident, when you did not intend to help them
play the game
to behave in a fair and honest way
You can’t do that—it’s not playing the game!
play (silly) games (with somebody)
not to treat a situation seriously, especially in order to cheat somebody
Don't play silly games with me; I know you did it.
the rules of the game
the standards of behaviour that most people accept or that actually operate in a particular area of life or business
(have) skin in the game
(North American English, informal) (to have) a personal interest in an organization or activity, and therefore in its success
When management and unions sit down at the negotiating table, both sides have skin in the game.
The neutral fan with no skin in the game can just sit back and enjoy the spectacle.
talk a good game
to talk in a way that sounds convincing, but may not be sincere
The senior managers talk a good game about customer relations, but really they don't care about the customer.
two can play at that game
(saying) used to tell somebody who has played a trick on you that you can do the same thing to them
up your game (informal)
to improve the level at which you can compete, especially in a sport
She's really upped her game since she joined the tennis club.
With these two snazzy new restaurants opening up, the other eating places in the area are going to have to up their game.
what’s somebody’s/your game?
(informal) used to ask why somebody is behaving as they are