[Idiom] well-matched competitors

[Ashiuhto]

If there are a lot of competitors who are well-matched in a contest, what phrase can we use to express this idea?

 

[Raymott]

If there are a lot of competitors who are well-matched in a contest, what phrase can we use to express this idea?

You mean something better than "well-matched competitors"?

 

[Ashiuhto]

It means that in a contest, all the competitors are with a special skill. If you want to be eminent above all others, you have to be really something of expert on the field. So that you can have the best chance to win the contest.

 

[Raymott]

It means that in a contest, all the competitors are with a special skill. If you want to be eminent above all others, you have to be really something of expert on the field. So that you can have the best chance to win the contest.

Yes, I know, sorry. My question was, "Do you want a better phrase than 'well-matched competitors'? If so, why?"
I meant:
[Do] You mean [you want] something better than "well-matched competitors"?

 

[Ashiuhto]

Yes, I want something better than 'well-matched competitors' because I want to know a more natural / idiomatic expression.

 

[Raymott]

Yes, I want something better than 'well-matched competitors' because I want to know a more natural / idiomatic expression.

My question also has the implication that "well-matched competitors" is quite a good phrase, and that I can't think of anything better or more idiomatic. Maybe someone else can.

 

[Ashiuhto]

Thanks a lot !

 

[BobK]

To refer to a particular group of well-matched competitors, people (esp. sports commentators) often say 'the elite athletes'. But I agree with Raymott that no idiom springs to mind for the general concept.

b

 

[freezeframe]

This is not exactly what you're asking for but if no one competitor has advantage, it can be called "a level playing field". This refers to the situation though, not to the competitors themselves.