rig the game

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rig the game" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to manipulating a situation or outcome unfairly to achieve a desired result. Example: "They decided to rig the game to ensure their team would win." Alternative expressions include "fix the game" and "manipulate the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

In other words, to rig the game.

The New York Times - Magazine

Let the traditional program and its private rivals compete, but don't rig the game in advance.

The New York Times

His supporters see this, understandably, as an attempt by southern politicians to rig the game in their own favour.

The Economist

"The question is not if individuals, or groups of individuals, are collaborating to rig the game for themselves.

The Guardian - Business

Like The Club, Phar Lap is more about people trying to rig the game than the game itself.

The Guardian - Film

To them, all those sacred procedures are the way that insiders rig the game against outsiders such as themselves.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

They are rigging the game to their own end.

The New York Times

But forcing people to work for less than a living standard rigs the game.

The New York Times

"It makes it look like the NFL rigged the game so the Rams would win," D'Amico said.

The Washington Post

The organized money class has captured Barack Obama and rigged the game for itself: "The statesmen and generals had become consultants and pundits.

The New York Times - Books

Running for election in an honest-to-goodness campaign is less fun than rigging the game by moving pieces on both sides of the board.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rig the game" when you want to emphasize the unfair manipulation of a system or situation to achieve a predetermined outcome. The phrase is particularly effective in contexts where power dynamics and systemic bias are at play.

Common error

Avoid using "rig the game" to describe situations where genuine effort and skill are the primary drivers of success, even if those efforts involve strategic planning. The phrase should be reserved for scenarios involving unethical or manipulative tactics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rig the game" functions as a verb phrase, often used with an object, to describe the act of manipulating a system or situation unfairly. It conveys the idea of predetermining an outcome through unethical or underhanded means, as illustrated in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rig the game" is a versatile expression used to describe the unfair manipulation of a system or situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and frequently used, especially in "News & Media" contexts. While primarily neutral in register, it carries a negative connotation, implying injustice or unethical behavior. To avoid misinterpretations, reserve it for situations where manipulation is evident. Alternatives such as "manipulate the system" or "fix the outcome" can offer nuanced ways to express the same concept. In summary, "rig the game" is a potent tool for highlighting systemic bias and calling attention to power imbalances, provided it's used accurately and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manipulate the system

Focuses on manipulating the rules or structure of a system to achieve a desired outcome.

fix the outcome

Implies predetermination of a result, often through dishonest means.

stack the deck

Suggests arranging circumstances to favor a particular result, similar to preparing a deck of cards unfairly.

skew the results

Highlights the distortion of results away from a fair or expected distribution.

control the situation

Emphasizes dominance over events, guiding them towards a specific end.

engineer the victory

Implies skillful maneuvering to ensure success, often with subtle manipulation.

influence the process

Focuses on exerting influence to affect the steps or stages of a process.

orchestrate the events

Suggests a careful arrangement of occurrences to produce a planned result.

tamper with the process

Implies unauthorized or inappropriate alteration of a procedure.

undermine the fairness

Highlights actions that compromise impartiality.

FAQs

What does it mean to "rig the game"?

To "rig the game" means to manipulate a process or situation unfairly to ensure a desired outcome. It implies a lack of impartiality and often involves unethical practices.

What are some alternatives to saying "rig the game"?

You can use alternatives like "manipulate the system", "fix the outcome", or "stack the deck" to convey similar meanings.

Is "rig the game" a formal or informal expression?

"Rig the game" is generally considered an informal expression, although it can be used in news and media contexts to describe serious situations. Consider your audience and the context when deciding whether to use this phrase.

How can I use "rig the game" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "Critics accused the government of trying to "rig the game" in favor of large corporations through tax loopholes and deregulation."