ENGLISH
REFERENCE

game, set, match

idiom
Meaning

An expression indicating finality, announcing that a series of events—usually involving some form of rivalry—has reached a conclusion.


Origin

disputed origin

Each noun names a component of the next one, and the final point scored by the victor is one that not only wins the game but also (thereby) wins the set and also (thereby) wins the match. The concept is comparable to the notion that the winning point not only makes their day but also makes their week and makes their month.

Examples
SIMPLE

They scored the final goal, so it is game, set, match.

CONTEXTUAL

After the rival company went bankrupt, the CEO knew it was game, set, match for their competition.

COMPLEX

With the last of the evidence presented to the jury, the prosecutor realized it was game, set, match for the defendant.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all set

    Ready, prepared, equipped.

  2. 02

    away game

    An athletic contest played away from the team's home field.

  3. 03

    back in the game

    Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.

  4. 04

    be no match for

    To be outmatched by; to be much weaker, less capable, or less desirable than.

  5. 05

    blame game

    A situation in which people attempt to blame others rather than trying to resolve a problem.

  6. 06

    change the game

    To revolutionize a field of endeavor.

  7. 07

    fair game

    Actions permissible by the rules.

  8. 08

    for the love of the game

    Doing something for one's own enjoyment or other intrinsic desire to do so; not for other reasons such as money or other ulterior motives.

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