The following idioms and expressions use 'game'. Each idiom or expression has a definition and two example sentences to help understand these common idiomatic expressions.

Ahead of the Game

To have an advantage over a situation

I need to get up early to keep ahead of the game.

Try studying 30 minutes before you go to bed to stay ahead of the game in math.

Can you give me any tips so I can keep ahead of the game at work?

At This Stage of the Game

At a certain point in a process

I think you should talk to a lawyer at this stage of the game.

He feels like he's sure to win at this stage of the game.

I'm not sure we're ready to launch the product at this stage of the game.

Fair Game

Something that is allowed to take advantage of

I think it's fair game to enter that market.

She told me her friend wasn't fair game.

I've decided to not focus on that region. It's fair game if you want to take over.

Fun and Games

Enjoyable activities

You know working at a newspaper isn't all fun and games.

Let's make sure to enjoy the fun and games before we leave.

I think he was surprised that the new job wasn't all fun and games.

Game That Two Can Play

Used generally to refer to a negative tactic that someone could also use to compete

You know that's a game that two can play. If you try it, I'll do the same to you.

She doesn't realize that she's playing a game that two can play. It will come back to bite her.

He warned me that my ratting her out to the teacher was a game two could play.

Give the Game Away

Reveal a secret

If I tell you our plans, I'll give the game away.

He gave the game away when he said that he had been in New York on business.

Don't give the game away! We'll never get ahead if you tell everybody before we've even begun!

Name of the Game

The type of activity mentioned

Winning at any cost is the name of the game in finding a job these days.

Do you really think that being completely dishonest is the name of the game?

She feels that making the right connections is the name of the game in Hollywood.

New Ball Game

A new situation

I think we've just entered a whole new ball game with that deal!

Remember that Chicago is a completely new ball game. It'll be very challenging.

Now that we've moved to Seattle, you'll have to remember that it's a whole new ball game. You can do anything you want.

The Game Is Up

The situation is lost and has a negative outcome