jockey for position

1. Maneuver or manipulate for one's own benefit, as in The singers are always jockeying for position on stage. This expression, dating from about 1900, originally meant maneuvering a race horse into a better position for winning. It was transferred to other kinds of manipulation in the mid-1900s.

Example Sentences

The Clippers know the stakes are high in the competitive Western Conference, each game more important than the last as they jockey for position among six teams still unsure of their postseason place.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a meritocracy in that the very best reap the bulk of the reward, while the rest jockey for position, trying to grit through to the next tier.

From Los Angeles Times

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he was already in “playoff mode” Wednesday, as his club continued to jockey for position in the crowded National League standings.

From Los Angeles Times

The Lakers had an opportunity to move up in the Western Conference standings as teams jockey for position down the stretch.

From Los Angeles Times

The Lakers had a big opportunity in front of them on Wednesday night, a chance to put some pressure on Sacramento in the Western Conference, an opening to get closer to the Kings as they jockey for position in the standings.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• battle 
• challenge 
• clash 
• contend 
• contest 
• face 
• fight 
• play 
• spar 
• try 
• vie 
• wrestle