level playing field

American  

noun

1. a state of equality; an equal opportunity.

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level playing field British  

noun

1. a situation in which none of the competing parties has an advantage at the outset of a competitive activity

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Etymology

Origin of level playing field

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

“Our digital rules ensure a safe, fair, and level playing field for all companies, applied fairly and without discrimination.”

From The Wall Street Journal

A compromise seems likely to be achieved to preserve a level playing field globally, with UBS being allowed to meet new requirements with a mix of CET1 and AT1 capital, the analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal

The statute, which dates from the 1930s, seeks to preserve a level playing field between small retailers and bigger sellers such as grocery chains.

From The Wall Street Journal

"They want to have a level playing field."

From BBC

"We hope that further steps can be taken to close it and provide a more level playing field in relation to other projects," he said.

From Barron's