ENGLISH
REFERENCE

spoil the market

idiom
Meaning

To set higher standards by overachieving, so others look inferior or unmotivated in comparison.


Examples
SIMPLE

Don't work so hard or you will spoil the market for us.

CONTEXTUAL

By finishing the project in two days, he spoiled the market for the rest of the team who needed a week.

COMPLEX

The new consultant's relentless efficiency spoiled the market, making the existing staff appear lazy and unproductive to the company directors.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    black market

    Trade that is in violation of restrictions, rationing, or price controls.

  2. 02

    bring one's own hide to market

    To create one's own fate, as a result of one's chosen character and actions; to experience the appropriate consequences of one's behavior.

  3. 03

    corner the market

    To monopolize a resource or commodity, as with the intent of driving up prices.

  4. 04

    drug on the market

    something which is overabundant at the moment and thus not in demand.

  5. 05

    meat market

    A place where one goes for a casual sexual encounter, such as a bar (establishment) or nightclub.

  6. 06

    seller's market

    An excess of demand over supply, leading to abnormally high prices; a market condition favoring the seller.

  7. 07

    spoil market

    Alternative form of spoil the market.

  8. 08

    spoil somebody rotten

    Alternative form of spoil someone rotten.

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