This expression could be used for any situation where you have defined levels. It is used often in a gaming context: "level (plural levels) 1. A tool for finding whether a surface is level, or for creating a horizontal or vertical line of reference. Hand me the level so I can tell if this is correctly installed. 2. A distance relative to a given reference elevation. By the end of the day, we'd dug down to the level of the old basement floor. 3. Degree or amount. The sound level is much too high; this hurts my ears. We've reached a new level of success. 4. (gaming) One of several discrete segments of a game generally increasing in difficulty. Often numbered. Often, each level occupies different physical space (although levels are not always vertically stacked). It took me weeks to get to level seven. Watch out for the next level; the bad guys there are really overpowered. 5. (gaming) A periodic progression of integer values that quantify a character's experience and power. My half-orc barbarian reached fifth level before he was squashed by a troll. 6. A floor of a multi-storey building. Take the elevator and get off at the promenade level." Source: http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/level#Noun Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Level http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Level_%28computer_and_video_games%29