What does “Beat them at their own game” mean?
"Beat them at their own game" means to defeat someone by using the same methods or strategies that they typically use.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He studied his opponent's moves and was able to beat them at their own game.
Example
She decided to beat them at their own game by using their own tactics against them.
Example
The team was determined to beat them at their own game and came up with a clever strategy
Is “Beat them at their own game” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Beat them at their own game” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Beat them at their own game” effectively in context?
You can use "Beat them at their own game" to describe the act of defeating someone by using the same methods or strategies that they typically use. It implies a sense of outsmarting or outperforming the other person. For example, if someone is known for being manipulative, you might say, 'I decided to beat them at their own game and use my own tactics to get what I wanted.'
- 1Sports
The underdog team studied their opponents' plays and managed to beat them at their own game.
- 2Business
The small startup decided to beat the big corporation at their own game by offering innovative products and superior customer service.
- 3Relationships
She realized her partner was playing mind games, so she decided to beat them at their own game and started setting boundaries.
Similar phrases to “Beat them at their own game”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Beat them at their own game” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Beat them at their own game" is unknown.
Is “Beat them at their own game” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Beat them at their own game" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where someone successfully outwits or outperforms their opponent by using similar tactics or strategies.
What tone does “Beat them at their own game” have?
"Beat them at their own game" conveys a tone of determination and cleverness. It suggests a desire to outsmart or outperform someone who is usually seen as skilled or dominant.
Can “Beat them at their own game” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "beat them at their own game" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes the act of defeating someone by using their own methods or strategies. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He studied his opponent's moves and was able to beat them at their own game.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "beat them at their own game"!' to imply readiness to outsmart someone.
