level playing field

The phrase "level playing field" refers to a situation or environment in which each participant has an equal opportunity or is treated equally, without any advantage or disadvantage. It implies that all individuals or groups involved in a competition, negotiation, or interaction are subjected to the same set of rules, conditions, and resources, creating fairness and removing any biases or obstacles that could potentially favor certain participants over others. The objective is to ensure that everyone has an equal chance to succeed based on their merits and abilities, rather than external factors or privileges.