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

"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

We like the equalizer, guidelines and the level playing field for protection socialism promises.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Rather than compete on a level playing field, Google’s YouTube TV has approached these negotiations as if it were the only player in the game,” Pitaro, Bergman and Walden wrote in a Nov. 7 email sent to employees.

From Los Angeles Times

“Rather than compete on a level playing field, Google’s YouTube TV has approached these negotiations as if it were the only player in the game.”

From Slate

"If we want to nail our international calendar, we need to play teams like Australia more on a level playing field," Wane told a media conference on Thursday.

From BBC