Man’s got to do what a man’s got to do, and sometimes, that means jockeying for position. No, we’re not talking about your latest horseback escapades or spinning around on a merry-go-round, but the everyday battle of strategic maneuvering to get ahead in the game of life! Let’s delve into this stylish move, both slippery and slick as saddle leather. 🏇
📖 Definition
jockey for position, to – To maneuver or manipulate skillfully to gain an advantage or further one’s interests.
Synonyms:
- Stake a claim
- Angle for advantage
- Play the system
- Edge out
Antonyms:
- Stay in place
- Yield territory
- Fall back
- Surrender position
In the Wild:
“The politicians were neck and neck, each jockeying for position in the televised debate, trying to coax the undecided voters.”
“The startup world is a frantic race, with tech companies constantly jockeying for position.”
Related Expressions and Similar Terms
Idioms:
- Wheeling and dealing – Negotiating cleverly or skillfully to gain an advantage.
- Leveling the playing field – Creating fair competition where no advantage is held by one party.
Proverbs:
- Fortune favors the bold – Success often comes to those who take risks.
- The early bird catches the worm – Being early or prompt can lead to success.
Common Phrases:
- Working the angles – Strategically positioning oneself to gain the upper hand.
- Cutting in line – Jumping ahead of others, often unfairly.
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
Books:
- “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu – A treatise on strategy and tactics.
- “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie – A guide to maneuvering social landscapes.
Songs:
- “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor – Channeling the fighting spirit to push for the win.
- “Higher Ground” by Stevie Wonder – Striving for the next level, constantly.
Films:
- “The Social Network” (2010) – A dramatic showcase of jockeying for position in the tech world.
- “Rocky” (1976) – The ultimate underdog story highlighting strategic persistence.
Quotes:
- 😂 “Why play bad cop, when you can play smarter cop and jockey for position without boxing gloves?” – Just some wise guy we know.
- 🌟 “Strategies are worth their weight in gold, and there’s no heavier prize than being at the top – unless it’s won by stepping on coins” – P. Wordsmith.
Quizzes:
Closing Thought 🌟:
In life’s grand race, where everyone’s a jockey, remember: the trick isn’t to outrun everyone, but to maneuver cleverly to ensure that when the photo finish comes, you’re the one who’s remembered. Happy racing!
With wit and words,
Penelope Wordsmith