7 Everyday Idioms For Competition

English Idioms for Competition, expressions and proverbs are an essential part of the English language, both spoken and written English are filled with them.

For ESL Students idioms for Competition are frustrating to figure out, the reason being Idioms don’t make literal sense.

To learn the meanings and usage of idioms, students studying English must study and familiarize themselves with their everyday usage.

The team at Lillypad understands the pain and difficulties English Learners face comprehending the true meaning and accurate usage. This idioms list of Competition makes learning easy as ABC, with common Competition idioms, definitions, and example sentences which make the meaning clear.

Learning to use common idioms and expressions will make your English sound more native, so it’s a good idea to master some of these expressions with daily practice, so bookmark this page or share it with your friends; now let us learn about idioms for Competition together.

Idioms for Competition with Meanings, Definitions & Example Sentences

1. Dog-Eat-Dog

Definition and Meaning: Dog-Eat-Dog

The expression “dog-eat-dog” is used to describe a situation in which people are willing to hurt or take advantage of others in order to succeed.

Dog-Eat-Dog Example Sentences:

• In the corporate world, it’s a dog-eat-dog competition to get ahead.
• The job market is so competitive these days, it’s a dog-eat-dog situation out there.
• The political arena is a dog-eat-dog environment, with no room for mercy.
• It’s a dog-eat-dog world in the entertainment industry, so you have to be prepared to fight for your place.
• The real estate market is so cutthroat, it’s a dog-eat-dog world for buyers and sellers alike.

2. Go Back To The Drawing Board

Definition and Meaning: Go Back To The Drawing Board

The expression means to start over.

Go Back To The Drawing Board Example Sentences:

• They failed to rank in the competition so they’ll be going back to the drawing board with their coach.
• Let’s go back to the drawing board and reassess our options.
• The contestants realized they missed one step and went back to the drawing board quickly.
• His management team had to go back to the drawing board after his career took a hit.
• There’s nothing wrong about going back to the drawing board. It might give us some perspective.

3. No Pain No Gain

Definition and Meaning: No Pain No Gain

The expression “no pain no gain” describes some people’s belief that in order to succeed they have to go through a painful or difficult process.

No Pain No Gain Example Sentences:

• “No pain no gain.” I hear that a lot from people at the gym.
• Practice is tedious, but you have to do it every day. No pain no gain.
• Did you think being a pro athlete was easy? No pain no gain, my man.
• Raymart laughed. “No pain no gain,” he said. “Nothing is easy in this world.”
• I feel like no pain no gain doesn’t apply to anyone born of privilege.

4. No Contest

Definition and Meaning: No Contest

This expression describes a situation where the winner of a certain competition is obvious or apparent even before the competition began.

No Contest Example Sentences:

• Look at how big the guys on their rugby team are. This is no contest.
• It’s no contest. You’re more talented by a mile than the best of them.
• Their team should do an exhibition instead of joining as contestants. Otherwise, there’s no contest.
• We thought the annual meet would be no contest but we realized we may stand a chance.
• Katrina is clearly the best dancer in the country. It’s no contest to proclaim her the winner.

5. Blood, Sweat, And Tears

Definition and Meaning: Blood, Sweat, And Tears

This expression means extreme effort and hard work.

Blood, Sweat, And Tears Example Sentences:

• They became the leading band in the country through blood, sweat, and tears.
• The song “Blood, sweat, and Tears” describe their difficult but rewarding journey to success.
• She wouldn’t be the chief surgeon without blood, sweat, and tears, literally.
• Get ready for blood, sweat, and tears. It’s not going to be easy, I’m telling you right now.
• He’s in a good place now, but he achieved all that with blood, sweat, and tears.

6. Make A Comeback

Definition and Meaning: Make A Comeback

The expression “make a comeback” means to gain success after failure, hiatus, or retirement.

Make A Comeback Example Sentences:

• Forester’s cheerleading squad is making a comeback after two years of not joining the competition.
• They certainly made a comeback when they won all seven events after not ranking last year.
• This is your chance to make a comeback. I suggest you seize it.
• Kyla said she would make a comeback if given the opportunity to perform again.
• The band Blue tried to make a comeback several times but each time wasn’t warmly received.

7. Ball In One’s Court

Definition and Meaning: Ball In One’s Court

The expression “ball in one’s court” indicates that it’s someone’s turn to make a move or to make a decision.

Ball In One’s Court Example Sentences:

• The ball’s in their court. We’ve been committed since before the contract was drawn.
• I guess I’m calling to say this is my last-ditch effort to reach out. Ball’s in your court now.
• Well, the ball’s in Liam’s court. But not hearing from him is an answer, isn’t it?
• We’re saying we will cover the band and decorations. Ball’s in your court about your contribution.
• Nobody is forcing you to do anything. Ball’s in your court and you can always say no.

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