inside track

American  

noun

1. the inner, or shorter, track of a racecourse.

2. an advantageous position in a competitive situation.

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inside track British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of inside track

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

The Kremlin would also get the inside track on lucrative mining concessions in Sudan, the third-largest gold producer in Africa.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Spanberger’s emphasis on the economic fallout from federal cuts has secured her as a front-runner, and she still appears to have the inside track.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Lister said: "When a party unit opens the door to council data, it creates an inside track where firms built to outcompete the state will thrive."

From BBC

Related Words

• head start