draw even: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘draw even’ mean?
The idiom "draw even" means to reach a state of equal or balanced competition or progress.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "share and share alike" means to divide something equally and fairly among all parties involved.
The idiom "keep up" means to maintain the same level or pace, or to continue at a sufficient rate. It can refer to staying informed or being able to match or compete with others.
The idiom "keep pace" means to maintain a similar speed, progress, or level as someone or something else.
The idiom "keep pace" has several different meanings, all of which relate to the concept of staying at the same level or speed as someone or something else. It is used both in literal and figurative contexts, and its origins can be traced back to the early 17th century.
The idiom "hold one's own" means to be able to compete or perform adequately in a given situation, often against strong opponents or in challenging circumstances.
The idiom "hit two targets with one arrow" means to achieve two goals or objectives with a single action or effort.
The idiom "hit two targets with one arrow" is a metaphorical expression that emphasizes efficiency and effectiveness in accomplishing multiple goals simultaneously.
This idiomatic phrase is known to be of Chinese origin and has gained popularity in the English language.
An idiom that means to gain momentum or build up force, often used in the context of a person or group gathering energy or enthusiasm for a task or goal.
The idiom "happy medium" refers to finding a balance or compromise between two extremes or conflicting ideas.
The idiom "happy medium" refers to finding a satisfactory compromise between two extremes. It suggests achieving a balance or moderation in a given situation. The phrase dates back to the late 18th century, but its usage remains prevalent in modern English.
The idiom "go halves" means to share the cost or responsibility of something equally with someone else.
The idiom "give as good as one gets" means to respond with equal force or intensity when faced with aggression or criticism, not allowing oneself to be taken advantage of.
Achieving Parity
The idiom "draw even" is used to describe a situation where two opposing sides or individuals come to an equal or balanced position. It refers to reaching a point of equality or parity after a period of competition or conflict.
One possible origin of this idiom can be traced back to horse racing. In horse racing, the starting positions for the horses are randomly assigned to ensure fairness. When two horses are allocated the same starting position, they are said to "draw even." This expression then gradually extended beyond horse racing to describe any situation where two opponents achieve a state of equality.
Another possible origin of this idiom can be found in poker. In poker, if players choose not to discard any cards, they are considered to be on an equal footing and are said to "draw even." This usage of the idiom could have later been applied to other contexts where opponents reach a balanced position.
The idiom "draw even" is commonly used in sports competitions, business negotiations, and interpersonal relationships. In sports, it can refer to a situation where two teams or players have the same score or are at an equal advantage. In business, it can describe a situation where two parties reach a mutually beneficial agreement or settlement. In interpersonal relationships, it can depict a scenario where two individuals reconcile their differences and find a common ground.
Overall, the idiom "draw even" captures the notion of achieving balance and equality between opposing entities. Whether derived from the world of horse racing or poker, it has become a versatile expression to describe the equilibrium reached in various domains.
The related idiom "even the score" is used to describe the act of seeking revenge or getting back at someone. It suggests a desire to achieve a sense of fairness or justice by retaliating against the person who has wronged you. It goes beyond simply reaching a balanced position and implies a need for retribution.
In contrast, the idiom "get even" is similar to "even the score" in that it also involves seeking revenge or retribution. However, "get even" carries a connotation of getting back at someone in a more calculated and strategic manner. It implies a desire to not only achieve fairness but also to surpass the other person or gain an advantage over them.
Both "even the score" and "get even" are related to the concept of "draw even" in that they all revolve around the idea of achieving a sense of balance or fairness. However, "even the score" and "get even" specifically emphasize the aspect of seeking revenge or retribution, while "draw even" focuses more on reaching a state of equality or equilibrium.
The idiom "draw even" is a versatile expression that captures the idea of achieving balance and equality between opposing sides. Whether derived from the world of horse racing or poker, it has found its way into various domains such as sports, business, and interpersonal relationships. In addition, the related idioms "even the score" and "get even" shed light on the desire for revenge or retribution that can accompany the pursuit of balance and fairness.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "draw even" can be used in a sentence:
- After a slow start, the team managed to draw even with their opponents in the second half.
- The negotiations between the two companies reached a deadlock, but they were finally able to draw even after compromise.
- Despite their differences, the siblings always find a way to draw even and support each other.
The idiom "draw even" is commonly used to indicate a situation where two opposing parties or entities reach the same level or achieve a state of equality, often after a period of imbalance or conflict. It signifies a resolution or reconciliation where both sides are able to find common ground or come to a mutual agreement.
More "Equality" idioms
