inside track

noun

1. the inner, or shorter, track of a racecourse.
2. an advantageous position in a competitive situation.

inside track

noun

1. the inner and therefore shorter side of a racecourse
2. informal.
   a position of advantage

   the local man has the inside track in this contest

Word History and Origins

Origin of inside track¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

Ross, who opted out of the 2020 season because of coronavirus concerns, has the inside track to make the rotation behind Max Scherzer, Strasburg, Patrick Corbin and Jon Lester.

From Washington Post

Sprong seemed to have the inside track to be the team’s 12th forward before the team signed Sheary in late December.

From Washington Post

Vitek Vanecek appears to have the inside track to be the backup to Ilya Samsonov, but Pheonix Copley and Anderson are in the mix.

From Washington Post

These pitch days give startups an inside track to government contracts.

From TechCrunch

Ross, out of minor league options, had the inside track on Fedde before he decided to sit out the season.

From Washington Post

Joan Crawford had the inside track for Karen, though in 1952 she was six years older than Lancaster.

From The Daily Beast

But Mozah is unquestionably his queen in all but title, and it is her kids who have the inside track on power.

From The Daily Beast

McDonough has the inside track, but both have a good shot, says Eleanor Clift.

From The Daily Beast

I wanted to get at the horse, and I knew it wouldn't be easy unless I appeared to be on the inside track with Merriwell.

From Project Gutenberg

I own up I was doing my best to cut in on you there, but you seemed to have the inside track of me and I quit.

From Project Gutenberg

If he comes toward the upper Potomac, follow on his flank and on his inside track, shortening your lines while he lengthens his.

From Project Gutenberg

If he comes towards the upper Potomac, follow on his flank, and on the inside track, shortening your lines while he lengthens his.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Van Buren, then Secretary of State, had what is now known as "the inside track" for the succession.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• head start