Beat somebody at their own game

Pro Tip 1/3

Competition Context

The phrase is often used in competitive scenarios, such as sports, business, or games.

She trained hard and beat him at his own game on the tennis court.

Pro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

It's usually not about actual games, but metaphorically overcoming someone in their specialty area.

The underdog candidate beat the incumbent at his own game with a grassroots campaign.

Pro Tip 3/3

Expertise Challenge

It implies that the person being beaten is usually the expert or perceived as better.

The young chess prodigy finally managed to beat the grandmaster at his own game.