Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tie in a race or competition: A situation in which two or more competitors finish at exactly the same time, resulting in no single winner being declared.

Usage

• The term "dead heat" is used to describe the specific outcome of a race or contest where a tie occurs. It is most commonly associated with sports like running, horse racing, or swimming, but can apply to any competitive event. It is a countable noun.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The 100-meter sprint resulted in a dead heat, so both athletes were awarded gold medals.
  • After a photo finish, the judges declared a dead heat between the two horses.
  • The election was a dead heat, with both candidates receiving an identical number of votes.

Advanced Usage

• "To end in a dead heat": To conclude with a tie.
  • The championship game ended in a dead heat, forcing the teams into overtime.
• "To be in a dead heat": To be tied during or at the conclusion of a competition.
  • The latest polls show the two political parties are in a dead heat.

Variants and Related Words

• Tie (n): A more general term for an equal score or finish.
  • The game ended in a tie.
• Draw (n): Often used in British English for a tied score in a game.
  • The football match was a draw.

Synonyms

• Tie: An equality of scores, votes, or performance.
• Draw: A contest that ends with no winner.
• Stalemate: A situation in which further action or progress by opposing parties seems impossible; often used in chess or negotiations, but can imply a deadlocked competition.

Idioms and Phrases

• "Too close to call": An idiom describing a race or competition where the outcome is extremely even and a winner cannot be determined, often leading to or implying a potential dead heat.
  • The race was too close to call and required a review of the photo finish.

Noun

1. a tie in a race