league

in league (with someone)

Fig. [of people] secretly cooperating, often to do something bad or illegal. The county sheriff is in league with criminals. The car thieves and some crooked police are in league to make money from stolen cars.

not in the same league with someone or something

not nearly as good as someone or something. John isn't in the same league with Bob at tennis. This house isn't in the same league with our old one.

See also: same

play in the big leagues

Fig. to be involved in something of large or important proportions. (Alludes to playing a professional sport at the highest level.) You had better shape up if you want to play in the big leagues. The conductor shouted at the oboist, "You're playing in the big leagues now. Tune up or ship out."

See also: big, play

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not in the same league

not nearly as good as something or someone else (often + as ) My four-year-old computer's just not in the same league as the latest machines with their super-fast processors.

See also: same

be out of somebody's league

to be too good or too expensive for you He was so good-looking and so popular that I felt he was out of my league.

See also: out

bush league  (American informal)

not done to the usual or accepted standards His article was a bush league stunt to discredit the company, and he has apologized.

See also: bush

the Ivy League  (American)

a group of old and very good colleges in the north-east of the US The company thinks the best management trainees come from the Ivy League. (American)

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in league with somebody

agreeing to do something with someone else The accountant and the chairman were in league to hide the company's debts. I believe my children are in league with the devil!

Usage notes: often said about an activity that is not completely legal or approved of

in the same league (as somebody/something) also in the same league (with somebody/something)

having qualities or achievements similar to someone or something else The new foundation will be giving away $55 million a year, putting it in the same league as other well-known charities. You don't often get to hear two symphony orchestras that are in the same league within a single week.

Usage notes: often used in the form not in the same league: He's made a lot of money, but his net worth is not in the same league as that computer guy's.

See also: same

out of your league

1. doing something you are not prepared for She was clearly out of her league, suddenly forced to finish a project she knew little about.

2. not right for you I think an expensive car is a little out of your league right now, don't you?

See also: out