level pegging: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, chiefly British; journalistic and conversational.
Quick answer
What does “level pegging” mean?
A state of equality or being even, especially in a competition or race where two or more parties have the same score or position.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A state of equality or being even, especially in a competition or race where two or more parties have the same score or position.
A situation where progress, status, or achievement is identical between competitors; used metaphorically in non-sporting contexts like business, politics, or personal development to indicate parity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrase is predominantly British. In American English, alternatives like 'neck and neck', 'tied', or 'dead even' are far more common.
Connotations
In British usage, it carries a neutral to slightly positive connotation of a fair, exciting contest. In American contexts, its use might be perceived as a Britishism.
Frequency
High frequency in UK sports/political journalism; very low to negligible frequency in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “level pegging” in a Sentence
[Subject] be level pegging (with [Competitor])[Subject] remain level peggingIt's level pegging between [A] and [B].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “level pegging” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This term is not used as a verb.
American English
- This term is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- This term is not used as an adverb.
American English
- This term is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- With ten minutes to go, the teams were absolutely level pegging.
- The latest opinion polls show the main parties level pegging.
American English
- The candidates are neck and neck in the swing states.
- The game was tied going into the final inning.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe market share, sales figures, or performance metrics where competitors are equal. (e.g., 'The two brands are level pegging in the third quarter.')
Academic
Rare; might appear in informal discussion of research outputs or citations.
Everyday
Common in discussing sports scores, game results, or friendly competitions.
Technical
Not used in technical fields; specific terms like 'parity' or 'equilibrium' are preferred.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “level pegging”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They level peg' – incorrect).
- Using it to describe static equality unrelated to competition (e.g., 'Their heights are level pegging' – unnatural).
- Omitting 'level' (just saying 'pegging' is wrong).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it cannot. It is only used as an adjective phrase (e.g., 'they are level pegging') or a noun phrase (e.g., 'it's level pegging').
It originates from the game of cribbage, where players move pegs along a track to keep score. When the pegs are at the same point, they are level.
"Neck and neck" is the most direct and common equivalent in American English for describing a close competition.
Yes, it is commonly extended to business, politics, and any competitive context where parties are equal, but it always retains its 'competitive race' connotation.
A state of equality or being even, especially in a competition or race where two or more parties have the same score or position.
Level pegging is usually informal, chiefly british; journalistic and conversational. in register.
Level pegging: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlev.əl ˈpeɡ.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlev.əl ˈpeɡ.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “neck and neck”
- “nip and tuck”
- “all square”
- “too close to call”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine two PEGS on a cribbage board at the same LEVEL. They are LEVEL PEGGING.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETITION IS A RACE (measured by moving pegs on a track).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'level pegging' MOST commonly used?