in the same league

Idioms  

1. On the same level of skill, in the same class, as in As a woodworker, Bill wishes he were in the same league as Carl, who is a master carpenter. This metaphoric expression alludes to the leagues of baseball clubs, categorized as major or minor. It is often put negatively as not in the same league, as in This restaurant is not in the same league as the French café across the street. [Early 1900s]

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Example Sentences

When it comes to commanding the screen, though, Ms. Coel is not in the same league as Mr. McKellen, which means the intended balance of opposites doesn’t quite pan out.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

They haven’t been in the same league since 2008, though Wrexham did beat Shrewsbury in the FA Cup this season.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 15, 2024

They met every challenge, their two clean sheets against City this season making them only the fourth team to shut out a Pep Guardiola side twice in the same league campaign.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2024

He took a demotion in title to work at a lesser position for a school in the same league?

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2024

“Comets look flashy, but they’re not in the same league as the Nimbus.”

From "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling