inside track
Americannoun
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the inner, or shorter, track of a racecourse.
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an advantageous position in a competitive situation.
noun
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the inner and therefore shorter side of a racecourse
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informal a position of advantage
the local man has the inside track in this contest
Etymology
Origin of inside track
An Americanism dating back to 1855–60
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The reason: Both teams only had two wins, and the loser would get the inside track for the No. 1 draft pick.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025
The final choice for such an extremely lucrative role is less than certain, but as of now Anduril seems to have an inside track.
From Salon • Nov. 27, 2025
Rivas said Tuesday that Gabriella had been an uncooperative tenant that flouted financially responsibilities and had, therefore, forfeited any inside track to renewal.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2025
The developments capped a day that began with Rory McIlroy losing the inside track on rejoining the board as Webb Simpson’s replacement when board members resisted his return.
From Seattle Times • May 8, 2024
They also inspected the inside track, the support timbers, and the roof bolts.
From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.