Introduction
We use ‘the name of the game’ to talk about the most important aspect of something, or the expectations that go with it. Learn how to use it in this programme.
Transcript
Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain phrases used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them too. I’m Feifei.
Phil
And I’m Phil.
Feifei
Now, I am a big believer in looking professional in the office. I’m sitting here, very smartly dressed, but Phil, you’re in a tracksuit and trainers. What’s going on?
Phil
OK, OK, let me explain. I’m going for a run at lunchtime, and when you’re an athlete like me…
Feifei
Oh, an athlete? You?
Phil
Don’t laugh! When you’re an athlete, speed is the name of the game. I just can’t run that fast in office clothes.
Feifei
I’m not convinced you can run fast in that either, but anyway you’ve given us a good expression to learn in this programme – ‘the name of the game’. Why don’t you tell us a bit about it?
Phil
So, if something is ‘the name of the game’, that can mean that it’s the most important aspect of something. The ‘game’ might actually be a game so in football, the name of the game is scoring goals, but it can also be used more generally. We use it any time that we want to highlight the most important part of an activity.
Feifei
Yes, so for example, at work professionalism is the name of the game. So you, Phil, should put some proper shoes on.
Phil
Maybe you’re right. While I go and change, listen to these people using the expression ‘the name of the game’.
Examples
My brother has an amazing mind for detail, and he’s a lawyer, which is good because that’s the name of the game.
I’m watching a reality TV show at the moment, and popularity is really the name of the game.
When I travel, I don’t really like to plan much, because for me, spontaneity is the name of the game.
Feifei
We’ve been looking at the expression ‘the name of the game’ to talk about the most important aspect of something, but there is another, related meaning.
Phil
Yes, sometimes, we use ‘the name of the game’ to talk about expectations around something. In some jobs you might say that ‘early mornings are the name of the game’. If you work in a café, then early mornings are definitely the name of the game.
Feifei
Yes, in some jobs you just have to accept that you need to get up early if you want to do them.
Phil
Now, when you’re learning a language, regular practice is the name of the game – so make sure you come back for the next episode. We’ll see you then.
Feifei
Bye!
Phil
Bye!