level playing field

level playing field (plural level playing fields)

1. A situation which offers no advantage to any particular person or side.
   • 2012, OECD, Competitive Neutrality […] , OECD Publishing, →ISBN, page 9:

     Although the political commitment to maintaining a level playing field is generally strong, government commercial activities may damage the competition landscape either due to deliberate or unintentional departures from neutral practices.

   • 2024 March 20, “Network News: Freight still needs a level playing field, MPs hear from Rail Partners”, in RAIL, number 1005, page 11:

     Although the government has significantly reduced its UK growth targets to 75% by 2050 from the heady heights of trebling it in ten years at the beginning of privatisation, the rail freight industry is calling on all politicians to create a level playing field with road haulage.