Competition & Rivalry: English Vocabulary List

used to suggest that a person's most effective opponent or rival may be someone who is equally matched in wit, intelligence, or cunning

"Only an equal can truly challenge another equal — diamond cuts diamond."

"The two finest negotiators in the industry finally faced each other — diamond cuts diamond."

used to imply that those who have more resources or authority can easily overshadow or control those who have less, and that this can lead to an imbalance of power or opportunity

"The powerful suppress those below them — great trees keep down the little ones."

"The dominant market leader made it nearly impossible for smaller firms to grow — great trees keep down the little ones."

used to imply that people possess varying skills, talents, and capabilities, which naturally result in different levels of achievement and ranking

"Not everyone can be in charge — all men cannot be first."

"She reminded the team that all men cannot be masters — someone has to execute the plan."

used to suggest that in any group or partnership, there must be a clear leader and a clear follower, even if both parties are equal in ability or status

"In any partnership, someone must lead and someone must follow — when two ride together, one must ride behind."

"The two directors could not agree on a strategy, so one had to step back and let the other lead."

used to imply that there is always room for improvement and that one should strive to be the best they can be, recognizing that there may be others who are more skilled or talented

"There is always someone better — there may be blue and better blue."

"She was the best in the department, but there may be blue and better blue elsewhere in the industry."

used to suggest that when two highly skilled or intelligent individuals or groups confront each other, the resulting rivalry or competition can be fierce and difficult to resolve

"When two equally matched opponents meet, the real struggle begins — when Greek meets Greek, then comes the tug of war."

"The merger negotiation between the two equally powerful firms was brutal — when Greek meets Greek, then comes the tug of war."

used to suggest that one should not underestimate the potential threat or danger posed by even small or seemingly insignificant opponents or challenges

"No enemy is too small to be dangerous — there is no such thing as a little enemy."

"The minor competitor was dismissed until it captured the key segment — there is no little enemy."