# spoil the market

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/spoil-the-market
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- 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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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.