What does “Dead heat” mean?
"Dead heat" means a situation where two or more competitors finish a race or competition at exactly the same time.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The runners crossed the finish line in a dead heat.
Example
The swimmers touched the wall simultaneously, resulting in a dead heat.
Example
The cyclists sprinted to the finish line and ended up in a dead heat
Is “Dead heat” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Dead heat” 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 “Dead heat” effectively in context?
You can use "Dead heat" to describe a situation where two or more competitors finish a race or competition at exactly the same time. For example, if two runners cross the finish line simultaneously, you can say, 'They finished in a dead heat.'
- 1Sports
The swimmers touched the wall simultaneously, resulting in a dead heat.
- 2Horse Racing
The horses crossed the finish line together, resulting in a dead heat.
- 3Cycling
The cyclists sprinted to the finish line and ended up in a dead heat.
Similar phrases to “Dead heat”:
A result in a competition where two or more participants finish with the same score or time
Example
The game ended in a tie, with both teams scoring three goals.
Photo finish
A close finish in a race or competition that requires a photograph to determine the winner
Example
The race was so close that it required a photo finish to determine the winner.
Neck and neck
Used to describe a race or competition where two or more participants are very close and have an equal chance of winning
Example
The two runners were neck and neck as they approached the finish line.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Dead heat” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Dead heat" is unknown.
Is “Dead heat” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Dead heat" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation, especially in sports-related contexts. It is often used to describe races or competitions where participants finish at the same time.
What tone does “Dead heat” have?
"Dead heat" conveys a neutral tone. It is a factual expression used to describe a specific outcome in a race or competition.
Can “Dead heat” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Dead heat" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely understood expression in sports and competition contexts. You can use it in conversations with friends, colleagues, or even in professional discussions about sports events or race outcomes.
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, 'The runners crossed the finish line in a dead heat.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's a dead heat!' to imply that two or more competitors finished at the same time.
