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Processed with VS1Understand sports-based campaign phrases for close races, late outcomes, clear wins, and cross-party cooperation.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptA close contest can be “neck and neck” or a “dead heat.” A race “down to the wire” stays uncertain until near its end. A “landslide” is a decisive win by a large margin. To “reach across the aisle” is to work with people from another political party. The source discusses the 2016 U.S. presidential election; these phrases also apply to other contests and negotiations.
Cultural note: This lesson teaches language, not an endorsement of any candidate or political party. The source’s election context dates from 2017. “Landslide” can be used loosely in conversation, but actual margins should be described precisely when accuracy matters. “Reach across the aisle” praises cooperation in some contexts but can also be criticized if the issue involves important principles.
Keep exploringCampaign language borrows from sports to describe close contests, decisive outcomes, and political cooperation.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Describe a race whose winner is still uncertain.
Meaning
Almost even in a competition, with neither side clearly ahead.
Tone & use
Informal and common for races, sports, sales, or other comparisons.
Example
“The two proposals were neck and neck in the community poll.”
Meaning
Remaining uncertain until very near the end.
Tone & use
Common in contests and deadlines; the outcome is not known until the final stage.
Example
“The grant decision went down to the wire, and the team heard back on the final day.”
Meaning
Still a possible contender for a position or victory.
Tone & use
Common in elections, jobs, awards, and competitions.
Example
“After the second interview, she was still in the running for the research position.”
Recognize language for a large-margin win.
Meaning
A win by a very large margin.
Tone & use
Often used in elections but can describe other competitions. Give actual figures when they matter.
Example
“The proposal passed by a landslide, receiving more than three-quarters of the votes.”
Name an effort to negotiate with political opponents.
Meaning
Make an effort to cooperate or negotiate with members of another political party.
Tone & use
U.S. political language based on the seating arrangement in some legislative chambers; it can be used figuratively elsewhere.
Example
“The representatives reached across the aisle to agree on a practical disaster-response plan.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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