easy game
B2Informal, colloquial. Common in sports commentary, competitive contexts, and casual conversation.
Definition
Meaning
A task, opponent, or situation that presents minimal difficulty or challenge; something easily overcome or accomplished.
Often used figuratively to describe a predictable outcome, a sure victory, or a person/team that is not competitive. Can imply overconfidence or lack of respect for the challenge.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a countable noun phrase ('an easy game'). Carries a connotation of triviality or lack of effort required. Can be perceived as dismissive or arrogant if referring to people.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British English, especially in football (soccer) commentary. In American English, 'easy win' or 'pushover' might be more frequent in some contexts.
Connotations
Similar in both dialects, though British usage may be more matter-of-fact in sports contexts. American usage can sometimes carry a stronger tone of belittlement.
Frequency
Medium frequency in both, but strongly associated with sports and gaming discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + be + (considered/looked like) + an easy game[Team/Player] + have + an easy game + against + [Opponent]It + should be + an easy game + for + [Team/Player]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not a game; it's a slaughter.”
- “Like taking candy from a baby.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically: 'Securing that contract was an easy game compared to the last one.'
Academic
Very rare. Considered too informal.
Everyday
Common in discussing sports, competitions, exams, or tasks: 'The maths test was an easy game.'
Technical
Used in game theory or AI to describe a scenario with a dominant, easily found strategy.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children's puzzle was an easy game.
- After studying all week, the exam felt like an easy game.
- The champion expected an easy game against the inexperienced newcomer.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a video game set to the 'easiest' difficulty level – that's an 'easy game'.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETITION/CHALLENGE IS A GAME, DIFFICULTY IS PHYSICAL RESISTANCE (no resistance = easy).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation 'легкая игра' for all contexts. It often maps better to 'простая задача' (simple task) or 'легкая победа' (easy victory).
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using 'easy game' as an adjective (e.g., 'It was very easy game' – incorrect). It is a noun phrase.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'easy game' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is often derogatory, implying they are weak or unskilled, e.g., 'He's an easy game for any experienced debater.'
'Walkover' is stronger and more idiomatic, implying victory required literally no effort. 'Easy game' suggests low difficulty but may still involve some participation.
Grammatically, yes (e.g., 'a very easy game'), but stylistically, words like 'complete', 'total', or 'absolute' are often used for emphasis instead ('a complete easy game' is less common).
The plural is 'easy games'. Example: 'They've had a string of easy games this season.'