A game

or A-game, a-game

noun

, Informal.

1. a person’s best effort, abilities, or achievement:

   The candidate brought her A game to the debate.

'A' game

noun

1. informal.
   one's best possible performance, esp in the phrase to bring or take one's 'A' game

Word History and Origins

Origin of A game¹

In reference to a sports contest, with the letter A indicating peak performance

Example Sentences

“And I don’t like playing the game. I’m playing a game, but being autistic, I’m parallel playing.”

From Los Angeles Times

He’s one of just four rookies ever to make nine threes in a game.

From Los Angeles Times

He didn’t miss a game during his college career.

From Los Angeles Times

He also fears police might end up in a game of whack-a-mole.

From BBC

He can’t figure it out — it’s at least nine by my count — but he’s sure it needs to be a game.

From Los Angeles Times