rig the game

/rɪɡ ðə ɡeɪm/
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Dishonest manipulation of a game, contest, vote, or system so the result is unfairly tilted toward a chosen side.

Examples

  • If the rules are written for one company, the city has rigged the game against smaller bidders.
  • Investigators found that the casino had rigged the game with weighted dice.
  • Fans believed the referee's calls had rigged the game for the home team.
  • The players refused to join a scheme to rig the game for gamblers.
  • The committee denied trying to rig the game before the leadership vote.

Similar words

fix the match
fix the game
game the system
manipulate the outcome
stack the deck
engineer the result

Meanings

Dishonestly control the outcome

competition
neutral
To secretly arrange a game, contest, vote, or other competitive situation so the result favors a chosen side before fair play can decide it.

Examples

  • Investigators found that the casino had rigged the game with weighted dice.
  • Fans believed the referee's calls had rigged the game for the home team.
  • The committee denied trying to rig the game before the leadership vote.
  • If the rules are written for one company, the city has rigged the game against smaller bidders.
  • The players refused to join a scheme to rig the game for gamblers.
  • Changing the scoring after the match would rig the game, not correct it.

Similar words

Etymology

Built from rig, in the sense of manipulating something dishonestly for a desired result. Merriam-Webster traces this use to an older noun meaning a trick or swindle, distinct from the nautical and equipment senses of rig.

FAQ

What does rig the game mean?

Rig the game means to dishonestly arrange a game, contest, vote, or system so the result favors a chosen side.

Is rig the game only about sports?

No. It can describe literal games and also elections, markets, hiring, bidding, or other competitive systems that have been unfairly arranged.

Is rig the game the same as rig up?

No. Rig the game means to manipulate an outcome dishonestly, while rig up means to assemble or set something up, often quickly or temporarily.

Does rig the game always mean something illegal?

Not always, but it always suggests unfair or dishonest control. In sports, gambling, elections, and markets, it may also point to rule-breaking or crime.

What is another way to say rig the game?

Close expressions include fix the game, fix the match, stack the deck, and manipulate the outcome.

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