only game in town
No other choice
The only game in town is the sole available option—the one choice when alternatives don't exist or can't compete.
Originally from gambling contexts where a crooked game might still attract players because no other was available: I know the fees are outrageous, but they're the only game in town.
The phrase often implies settling for something imperfect because nothing else will do.
- exclusiveLimited to one group
- monopolyOne seller, no substitutes
- unchallengedFacing no opposition
- soleFoot's bottom surface
- captiveOne held by force
captive audience · dominance · singular · primary · irreplaceable · hegemony · de facto standard · unavoidable · essential · unrivaled · take-it-or-leave-it · buyer beware · market leader · top dog · big fish · last resort · no alternative · no choice
only game in townembarrassment of riches
Overwhelming surplus of desirable things
competitive market · buyer's market · dime a dozen · take your pick · smorgasbord
only game in towncompetitive market
Many sellers, price-taking firms
open competition · free market · buyer's market · commoditized · race to the bottom
only game in townbit player
Minor role performer
also-ran · commodity · replaceable · non-essential · dispensable
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