ball game

1 an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another don't count me out yet, for I'm still in this ball game Synonyms contest, battle, combat, competition, conflict, confrontation, contention, dogfight, duel, face-off, grapple, match, rivalry, strife, struggle, sweepstakes (also sweep-stake), tug-of-war, war, warfareRelated Words horse race, nail-biter; showdown; clash, collision, discord, friction; argument, controversy, debate, disagreement, disputation, dispute, dissension (also dissention), quarrel, row, wrangleNear Antonyms concord, harmony, peace

2 position with regard to conditions and circumstances with the new regulations in place, investors are facing a whole new ball game Synonyms situation, deal, footing, picture, posture, scene, status, storyRelated Words rank, standing; place, spot, state; score, status quo