Unit 12. Competition

a level playing field

a situation of fair competition

To ensure __ ______ _______ ______, the government introduced regulations that prevent monopolies.

in the driving seat

being in control

The opposition party is now __ __ ______ ____, shaping the country's future policies.

neck and neck

being at the same level as the competition

Two skiers were ____ ___ ____ at the end, and the crowd was going wild.

flog a dead horse

wasting your time on a hopeless situation

After spending hours trying to repair the old computer, John realized he was ___ing __ ____ _____ and decided to invest in a new one instead.

a major player

an important company or person with a lot of power and influence

move the goalposts

change the rules or conditions of a process while it is still happening

The company keeps ___ing ___ ______ for employee bonuses.

keep your eye on the ball

stay focused

To avoid mistakes, it's important to ____ ____ ____ __ __ ____ while working.

ahead of the game

being in front of the competition

She is always ____ __ __ ___ in her studies.

a one-horse race

being the only competitor

Without their injured star, the final would no longer be __ _________ ____.

on the ropes

being in a very bad situation

The company is __ __ ____ after the scandal.

set to

determined to do something

Fast food giant McDonald’s is ___ __ take on Starbucks in the competitive coffee market.

stir up conflict

разжигать конфликт

Religion is often used as a tool to ____ __ _____ and confrontations.

roll out

launch a new product or service gradually

The company plans to ___ ___ a new software update next month.

replace with

заменить на

I _______d the old rug __ a new one.

lose out to

уступить (кому-то)

She decided not to apply, fearing she might ____ ___ __ more qualified candidates.

take on

compete or fight against someone

Fast food giant McDonald’s is set to ____ __ Starbucks in the competitive coffee market.

take up

begin to practice or do (a hobby / a sport / a job / etc.)
I'm thinking of ____ing __ box. Do you know a good place to go to?

take on

hire, employ
We're ____ing __ 50 new staff this year.

take in

understand and remember (information)
There's too much new information, I can't ____ it all __!

take up

occupy (time)
Work ____s __ too much of my time. I have to find an assistant.

take to

start to like
Wendy was very nice, and Uncle Bob immediately ____ __ her.

take over

take control of 
Thank you for your work, but I’ll ____ ___ from here.

take in

deceive
Uncle Bob was completely _____n __ by Wendy.

take off

grow rapidly

After the new product launch, sales are expected to ____ ___.

taken aback

surprised

We were _____ _____ when the president announced his resignation.

take out a loan

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