Ahead of the Game - To have an advantage over a situation I ne | IELTS Reading - 9™

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
I realized the game was up and packed my bags to come home and start again.
She told him the game was up and that she was moving out.
Well, the game is up and we're going to have to close down the company.