The bold yet risky move should lower costs so United can compete more profitably against leaner competitors.

"We're finally putting to rest the image of a Rust Belt industry and replacing it with an image of a highly productive, lean and profitable worldwide competitor."

The key to growth is to transform America into a lean, mean competitor.

The moves are intended to help Delta generate lower fares and compete profitably against a fleet of leaner competitors.

He had been a dead-wood clerk somewhere who hadn't survived his company's amalgamation with a lean and hungry competitor.

He said the plan would include both pain and gain as the airline becomes a leaner competitor.

Amid the turmoil, AT&T wants to be able to spend more money on growth opportunities while being able to match the prices of its leaner competitors.

It is a two-front war of Napoleonic proportions: battling against bigger, more cash-rich rivals at home while trying to fend off leaner, hungrier competitors overseas.

Despite these negatives, Canada, which underwent painful restructuring in adjusting to the trade liberalization of the North American Free Trade Agreement, has emerged a leaner competitor.

US Airways emerged from bankruptcy in April 2003, only to find that its costs were still higher than those of its leanest competitors.