in the same league

Idioms  

1. On the same level of skill, in the same class, as in As a woodworker, Bill wishes he were in the same league as Carl, who is a master carpenter. This metaphoric expression alludes to the leagues of baseball clubs, categorized as major or minor. It is often put negatively as not in the same league, as in This restaurant is not in the same league as the French café across the street. [Early 1900s]

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Example Sentences

When it comes to commanding the screen, though, Ms. Coel is not in the same league as Mr. McKellen, which means the intended balance of opposites doesn’t quite pan out.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

He joins Daley and Jack Laugher as the only British divers to win two medals in one Olympics - but is humble in that he does not see himself in the same league.

From BBC • Aug. 10, 2024

“Bad Cinderella” seems as if it could have been in the same league.

From New York Times • Mar. 24, 2023

But in terms of roster construction, these two storied enemies no longer feel like they’re even in the same league.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 14, 2022

If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that I don’t want to be in the same league as them—hell, I don’t even want to be in the same ballpark.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman