The phrase "cornering market" refers to the act of obtaining a dominant position in a particular market or area. The word "cornering" is pronounced /ˈkɔːnərɪŋ/ (KAW-nuh-ring). The "c" is pronounced like a "k" sound, while the "o" is pronounced with an "aw" sound. The stress is on the first syllable "corn". The "ring" ending is pronounced with the "ihng" sound, where the "g" is silent. So, "cornering market" is pronounced as KAW-nuh-ring MARK-it.
Cornering the market refers to a situation where a single individual or entity acquires a significant portion of the available supply of a particular product or commodity, with the intention of exerting control over its price or availability in order to gain a competitive advantage. The individual or entity aims to monopolize the market and eliminate competition by buying up all or a dominant share of the goods.
In essence, cornering the market involves manipulating the supply and demand dynamics through the strategic purchase of a large quantity of the product. By accumulating such a substantial holding, the entity can effectively control the market price, dictating their desired terms and potentially driving up prices to maximize profits. This can create a significant disadvantage for other market participants, as their ability to access the product becomes limited and prices may become prohibitively high.
Cornering the market can be achieved through various means, such as making large-scale purchases gradually to avoid arousing suspicion or using aggressive tactics to rapidly accumulate a significant market share. However, it is important to note that cornering the market is generally seen as an unethical practice and may be subject to legal or regulatory scrutiny, particularly if it leads to market manipulation, anti-competitive behavior, or monopolistic practices.
Overall, cornering the market represents a strategic effort to gain a considerable advantage by gaining control over the supply and influencing the price dynamics of a particular product or commodity.
The word "cornering market" originated from the practice of cornering a market, which has its roots in the early days of trade and commerce. The term "cornering" refers to the act of gaining control or dominance over a particular market.
The etymology of "cornering" can be traced back to the concept of the corner, which originally referred to a space or angle where two walls met. In a market context, the term was used to represent gaining control of a specific market by acquiring a significant portion of the available supply or by exerting substantial influence over its pricing and distribution.
The term "cornering the market" gained prominence in the 19th century and was commonly associated with attempts to manipulate the prices of commodities such as grain or metals. The process involved buying up a substantial amount of the available supply, leading to scarcity, and ultimately enabling the manipulator to dictate the market price.