The phrase "jockeyed for position" refers to the strategic and often competitive maneuvering undertaken by individuals or groups in order to attain a favorable or advantageous position or status in a particular context, be it personal, professional, or within a larger social or political landscape. Derived from the equestrian sport of horse racing, where jockeys employ skillful techniques to secure a leading position in the race, this idiom figuratively highlights the active and deliberate efforts made by people to gain an advantageous stance over others.
To "jockey for position" implies that individuals or groups engage in a range of calculated actions, such as lobbying, positioning themselves, or making strategic alliances, to enhance their prospects or advancements in a given situation. It often involves shrewd moves aimed at outmaneuvering competitors or rivals, maximizing opportunities, and gaining an upper hand in relation to others.
This phrase is commonly used in various scenarios, including competitive sports, business environments, political campaigns, or areas with limited resources or opportunities. It captures the inherent strategy, ambition, and sometimes even cutthroat nature that individuals or organizations adopt when vying for an advantageous position in a particular race, competition, or hierarchy.
Overall, "jockeyed for position" signifies the active pursuit of placement or advantage through calculated and often competitive means, embodying the notion of strategic maneuvering and a keen desire to secure a beneficial or influential position.
