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

They also inspected the inside track, the support timbers, and the roof bolts.

From Literature

This might involve finding people who know the inside track on a policy debate - say about sanctions - and who might be able to shape it in a particular way.

From BBC

Bennett’s backup, Carson Beck, appears to have the inside track to the starting job, but third-year sophomore Brock Vandagriff is still in the mix with the season opener against Tennessee-Martin about three weeks away.

From Seattle Times

Although he was not working directly for the government, Ellsberg as a Rand analyst maintained an inside track through a series of high-level assignments.

From Los Angeles Times

What’s the deal with the Wildcats having the inside track to the Strip?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• head start