Idioms are fun phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say. This blog post is about idioms with the word “play.” You’ll learn what they mean and see them used in sentences.
Play Idioms
Here are 20 play idioms in English.
1. Play it by ear
Meaning: Decide how to proceed as you go along.
Example: Let’s play it by ear and see what happens.
2. Play second fiddle
Meaning: To be less important than someone else.
Example: She hated having to play second fiddle to her colleague.
3. Play the field
Meaning: Date various people; not commit to one.
Example: He’s not ready to settle down; he’s playing the field.
4. Play for time
Meaning: Delay an event hoping a situation changes.
Example: He was just playing for time to avoid confrontation.
5. Play into someone’s hands
Meaning: Act to someone’s advantage unintentionally.
Example: By arguing, you’re just playing into his hands.
6. Play your cards right
Meaning: Use resources or skills wisely to succeed.
Example: If you play your cards right, you could get promoted.
7. Play with fire
Meaning: Do something risky or dangerous.
Example: You’re playing with fire by cheating on the test.
8. Child’s play
Meaning: Something very easy or simple.
Example: For her, solving math problems is child’s play.
9. Play fast and loose
Meaning: Act recklessly or unethically.
Example: He tends to play fast and loose with the rules.
10. Play the devil’s advocate
Meaning: Argue against an idea for debate.
Example: I will play the devil’s advocate here to stir discussion.
11. Play hardball
Meaning: Be aggressive in pursuing something.
Example: They decided to play hardball in the negotiations.
12. Play to the gallery
Meaning: Perform in a manner to please others.
Example: He’s just playing to the gallery with his jokes.
13. Play hooky
Meaning: Skip school or work without permission.
Example: They decided to play hooky and go to the beach.
14. Play possum
Meaning: Pretend to be dead or asleep.
Example: The child would play possum to avoid chores.
15. Play the ace
Meaning: Use a powerful, secret advantage.
Example: He decided to play the ace he’d kept up his sleeve.
16. Play a blinder
Meaning: Perform extremely well.
Example: She played a blinder in yesterday’s meeting.
17. Play to the crowd
Meaning: Appeal to the tastes of the general public.
Example: His speeches always play to the crowd.
18. Play the race card
Meaning: Exploit racial tensions for personal advantage.
Example: He should not play the race card to win the argument.
19. Play along
Meaning: Pretend to agree or cooperate.
Example: He decided to play along to keep the peace.
20. Play both ends against the middle
Meaning: Manipulate opposing forces for personal benefit.
Example: She knows how to play both ends against the middle.
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