A game

American  

Or A-game,

noun

Informal.

1. a person’s best effort, abilities, or achievement.

   The candidate brought her A game to the debate.

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'A' game British  

noun

1. informal one's best possible performance, esp in the phrase to bring or take one's 'A' game

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Etymology

Origin of A game

In reference to a sports contest, with the letter A indicating peak performance

Example Sentences

"A game can't happen without two kits that distinguish the sides, and when you realise you can collect those, you think, I'm actually collecting pieces of a club's history."

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt brought their A game, embracing method dressing without going overboard.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

He made his return to rugby in an England A game against France but was red-carded for a high shot on Antoine Hastoy.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

"A game like this, you can't dwell into it too much," said vice-captain Pant, who took charge of the team after Gill was forced out.

From Barron's • Nov. 16, 2025

“All of you, back to your cabins. Get some sleep. A game well played, but curfew is past!”

From "The Battle of the Labyrinth" by Rick Riordan