平起平坐 on an equal footing
Explanation
指双方地位平等，不相上下。
Indicates that both sides are of equal status and rank.
Origin Story
话说唐朝时期，有两个才华横溢的诗人，一个是李白，另一个是杜甫。他们都渴望在诗坛上取得一番成就，彼此欣赏对方的才华，却也暗中较劲。一次，两人受邀参加一个盛大的诗会，席间，皇帝亲自为他们斟酒，并询问两人谁的诗作更胜一筹。李白和杜甫相视一笑，异口同声地说：‘平起平坐，各有千秋。’他们的回答，不仅展现了他们的谦逊，也展现了他们对诗歌创作的热爱。此后，他们的友谊更加深厚，并共同推动了唐朝诗歌的繁荣发展。
It is said that during the Tang Dynasty, there were two talented poets, one was Li Bai and the other was Du Fu. Both of them aspired to achieve success in the literary world, admired each other's talent, but also secretly competed with each other. Once, they were both invited to a grand poetry gathering, where the emperor personally poured wine for them and asked which one's works were better. Li Bai and Du Fu smiled at each other and said in unison, "We are on an equal footing, each has his strengths." Their answer showed not only their humility but also their love for poetry creation. From then on, their friendship deepened and together they promoted the prosperity of Tang Dynasty poetry.
Usage
用于形容双方地位平等，实力相当。
Used to describe that both sides are equal in status and strength.
Examples
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两位将军在战场上平起平坐，共同指挥作战。
Liǎng wèi jiāngjūn zài zhànchǎng shàng píng qǐ píng zuò, gòngtóng zhǐhuī zuòzhàn.
The two generals were on an equal footing on the battlefield, commanding the operations together.
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他们两人虽然职位不同，但在公司里却平起平坐，互相尊重。
Tāmen liǎng gè rén suīrán zhíwèi bùtóng, dàn zài gōngsī lǐ què píng qǐ píng zuò, hùxiāng zūnjìng.
Although they hold different positions in the company, they are on an equal footing and respect each other.