playing field

American  

noun

1. an expanse of level ground, as in a park or stadium, where athletic events are held.

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playing field British  

noun

1. a field or open space used for sport

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Etymology

Origin of playing field

First recorded in 1575–85

Example Sentences

There doesn’t have to be any big discussion about queerness or coming out because it isn’t necessary; everyone knows the score, and that knowledge levels the playing field.

From Salon

That sense of safety also comes from the level playing field in gay romance - it does not have the fixed gender roles and stereotypes present in heterosexual love stories.

From BBC

While that might level the playing field a bit for the U.S., history is still on Canada’s side.

From Los Angeles Times

Bentley leveled the playing field by creating a fallible detective against whom the reader could compete.

From The Wall Street Journal

Falling costs of technology and data access have further leveled the playing field for smaller ad firms, she added.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• arena
• turf