level playing field

American  

noun

1. a state of equality; an equal opportunity.

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level playing field British  

noun

1. a situation in which none of the competing parties has an advantage at the outset of a competitive activity

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Etymology

Origin of level playing field

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

That could allow banks to theoretically jump into the game on a level playing field with Coinbase.

From The Wall Street Journal

“But I know the administration was trying to create a level playing field. I just hope we’re there.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Simplifying the system, he said at a recent conference, would create a more level playing field.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The EU was founded when the world was flat,” said Calenda, referring to the years of peak optimism that globalization would create a level playing field for people, businesses and nations.

From The Wall Street Journal

"But after thinking about it for a while, I realised it's a level playing field. All my competitors are in Asia," he told AFP in November.

From Barron's