spoil the market
To set higher standards by overachieving, so others look inferior or unmotivated in comparison.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Don't work so hard or you will spoil the market for us.”
“By finishing the project in two days, he spoiled the market for the rest of the team who needed a week.”
“The new consultant's relentless efficiency spoiled the market, making the existing staff appear lazy and unproductive to the company directors.”
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black market
Trade that is in violation of restrictions, rationing, or price controls.
- 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.
- 03
corner the market
To monopolize a resource or commodity, as with the intent of driving up prices.
- 04
drug on the market
something which is overabundant at the moment and thus not in demand.
- 05
meat market
A place where one goes for a casual sexual encounter, such as a bar (establishment) or nightclub.
- 06
seller's market
An excess of demand over supply, leading to abnormally high prices; a market condition favoring the seller.
- 07
spoil market
Alternative form of spoil the market.
- 08
spoil somebody rotten
Alternative form of spoil someone rotten.
Last updated August 10, 2026