# game plan

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/game-plan
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Any strategy devised to reach a given objective.

## Examples

- What is your game plan for the exam?
- Before we start the project, we need a clear game plan to finish on time.
- The team refined their game plan, carefully anticipating every potential obstacle to ensure they would achieve their long-term objectives.

## Origin

The term entered English during the mid-20th century, derived from the strategies formulated by coaches and players in competitive sports. It identifies the prearranged sequence of play intended to secure an advantage on the field.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.