The word ‘play’ can mean many different things. As a verb, the meaning is to do a sport or activity for fun.
For example:
- I love playing badminton. (do a sport)
- Libby is playing with her dolly. (do an activity)
Play is a regular verb. The past tense and past participle is played.
idiomatic phrasal verbs
Did you know phrasal verbs are sometimes used in idioms? See if you can spot any. If you don’t know any phrasal verbs with ‘play’, click here to learn them.
idioms list with ‘play’
play away (from home)
meaning – cheat on your partner, be unfaithful
example – My boyfriend has been working late a lot recently. Do you think he’s playing away?
play ball
meaning – cooperate
example – My ex isn’t playing ball. I’m going to have to involve my lawyer.
play by the rules
meaning – follow the rules
example – No biting, scratching or hitting in the head. If you don’t play by the rules, you’ll be disqualified.
play cat and mouse
meaning – tease/pursue before turning violent
example – I’ve been playing cat and mouse with this hot guy, but I think he has got bored of my games.
play for time
meaning – delay something/someone to gain more time
example – The presentation isn’t opening. You play for time whilst I sort it.
play gooseberry
meaning – the unwanted third person in the company of lovers
example – It’s couples only. Don’t invite Ricky, he’ll only play gooseberry all night.
play hardball
meaning – be ruthless and do anything necessary to get what you want
example – Let’s play hardball with the suspect. We need to find out where he dumped the body.
play it by ear
meaning – don’t follow a plan, deal with things as they happen
example – I’m not sure who should run with the project, we’ll just play it by ear.
play second fiddle
meaning – be less important than something else
example – I’m sick of playing second fiddle to Jeff. I’m way better at the job than he is.
play the field
meaning – have multiple partners, bet on all horses not just the favourite
example – He’s not marriage material. He likes to play the field.
play truant
meaning – absent from school without permission
example – If my son doesn’t stop playing truant, I’ll go to prison.
two can play at that game
meaning – you can copy another person’s strategy
example – The enemy has started using cannons. Two can play at that game.
Psst…
Hey, did you know the verb ‘play’ has many phrasal verbs. Since you like idioms and phrases, you obviously want to improve your fluency and speak like a native.
Am I right?
I thought you might like to learn the phrasal verbs with ‘play’ too. They are very common in informal English and great to know/be able to understand if you happen to be speaking to a native. We use them all the time, like literally ALL the time.