dead heat
Race without winner
A dead heat is a race or contest in which two or more competitors finish at exactly the same time or with identical results—neither wins, neither loses.
The term comes from horse racing but applies to any competition: The election ended in a dead heat.
Figuratively, any situation too close to call: Polls show a dead heat between the candidates.
Equal score, or neckwear
- drawCreate with pencil
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
- parityState of being equal
photo finish · neck and neck · even · level · too close to call · split decision · no winner · inconclusive
Animals of unmixed lineage
- jockeysProfessional horse racers
- trackPath or monitored route
- homestretchLast portion before completion
- finish lineRace completion marker
starting gate · furlongs · derby · steeplechase · sprint · gallop · post position · paddock
tie
Equal score, or neckwear
- drawCreate with pencil
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
parity · photo finish · neck and neck · even · level · too close to call · split decision · no winner · inconclusive · undecided
thoroughbreds
Animals of unmixed lineage
- jockeysProfessional horse racers
- trackPath or monitored route
- homestretchLast portion before completion
finish line · starting gate · furlongs · derby · steeplechase · sprint · gallop · post position · paddock · handicap
rivalry
Ongoing contest between opponents
- contestOrganized competitive event
- matchupScheduled competitive pairing
- duelPrearranged one-on-one combat
showdown · face-off · clash · battle · challenger · opponent · finals · championship · playoffs · elimination
- horse racingthoroughbred, horse racing, racehorse, flat race, horses
- racing termsbackstretch, checkered flag, daily double, exacta, false start
- finish line expressionsphoto finish, down to the wire, home stretch, final stretch, final lap
- tiestie, necktie, bow tie, bow ties, bowtie
- bettingbet, ante, wager, odds, stake
- death idiomskick the bucket, six feet under, deadbeat, bought the farm, nail in coffin