The idiom "dead heat" is used to describe a situation where two or more competitors in a race or competition finish at exactly the same time, making it impossible to determine a clear winner.
For example, if two horses cross the finish line at the same time, it is a dead heat. Similarly, if two athletes in a running race cross the finish line at the same time, it is also a dead heat.
The term "dead heat" can also be used more broadly to describe any situation where there is a tie or a draw between two or more parties.
For instance, if two teams in a sports match score the same number of goals, it can be described as a dead heat. Similarly, if two candidates in an election receive the same number of votes, it can also be referred to as a dead heat.
Overall, the idiom "dead heat" is used to describe a situation where there is no clear winner or loser, and both parties are considered equal.
• The two candidates in the election had a dead heat, so the decision will be made by a coin toss.
• I don't know who won the race because it was a dead heat.
• The two musicians performed so well that the judges declared it a dead heat, and they both received the first prize.
• The two novels were so good that the judges declared a dead heat for the prize.
• The game ended in a dead heat, and the players had to play extra time to determine the winner.
• The executive committee was divided on the decision, and the vote ended in a dead heat, forcing the chairman to make the final decision.