English in a Minute Series 5
Intermediate level
Phrases with 'game'
Episode 260428 / 28 Apr 2026

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Introduction
Let’s create a game plan for your English learning! There are a few phrases in English with the word ‘game’. Learn some of them here with Georgie and then practise using the quiz.
Phrases with 'game'
game plan
plan or strategy to achieve success
- You want to get promoted at work? Let’s come up with a game plan.
at the top of your game
performing at your very best in something like your job or your hobby
- My football team have just won the tournament for the last three years. They’re at the top of their game.
beat someone at their own game
use someone else's methods, but better, to win against them
- I studied how he plays tennis so I can beat him at his own game next time.
game over
ending in a disappointing way
- You’ve applied for that job a few times now and failed to get an interview. I think it’s game over.

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Download a free transcript!
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TRANSCRIPT
Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript.
Georgie
If you want to improve your English, you need to have a game plan!
A game plan is a plan or strategy to achieve success.
You need to pass those exams to get into university, so what's your game plan? How are you going to make time for studying?
If you're at the top of your game, you're performing at your very best in something like your job or your hobby.
My brother's band is playing at the UK's biggest venue next weekend – they're at the top of their game.
If you beat someone at their own game, you use someone else's methods, but better, to win against them.
The clothes company offered even better discounts than their competitors to beat them at their own game.
And lastly, say 'it's game over' when something is ending in a disappointing way, just like in a video game.
If she sees the birthday cake before the party, it's game over – the surprise party will be ruined.
Now, try using these phrases in your conversations this week to practise what you've learnt!
Next
Learn more idiomatic language in The English We Speak.
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