have the inside track
Meaning: To have an advantage over others.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “As a former intern, she has the inside track for the job.”
Category: Animals
Origin: In racing, the inside lane of a curved track is the shortest. The figurative use is found from the 19th century, in American English.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Tenir la corde — literally: To hold the rope
More idioms — Animals
- a horn of plenty — An abundant source of something.
- hands down — Easily; without question.
- a little bird told me — I learned it from a secret source I won't name.
- snug as a bug in a rug — Very warm and comfortable.
- champ at the bit — To be impatient to start.
- one swallow does not make a summer — One good sign does not mean things will continue that way.
More English idioms
- a Sophie's choice — An agonizing choice between two terrible options.
- kicking and screaming — Very reluctantly, protesting all the way.
- at someone's beck and call — Always ready to obey someone's orders.
- like a bolt from the blue — Completely unexpected, usually of bad news.
- set one's cap at — To try to attract someone as a romantic partner (dated).
- the big leagues — The highest, most competitive level of an activity.
From our proverbs
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- A good recorder sets all in order. — Skilled documentation prevents chaos by creating a clear, retrievable record of facts and…
- Men hold the reins, but the women tell them which way to drive. — Behind visible authority, women's influence subtly directs outcomes through persuasion ra…