Play possum
To pretend to be inactive or asleep or dead.My friend was playing possum and did not respond to the conversation around him.
Play politics
To negotiate politically, to allow politics to control a situation where principle should prevail.The government leaders were playing politics... Read more →
Play one’s trump card
To use one's most powerful or effective strategy or device.I played my trump card when I told my boss that I would quit if I did not get an... Read more →
Play one`s cards right
To take advantage of one's opportunities."If you play your cards right you will probably get a promotion soon."
Play one’s cards close to one’s chest
To be extremely secretive and cautious about something (to hold playing cards close to your chest so the other players cannot see them).My boss... Read more →
A play on words
A humorous use of a word to suggest a different meaning.Newspaper headlines often use a play on words to give a different meaning to a sentence.
Play on/upon (something)
To cause an effect on something, to influence something.The company played on the feelings of loneliness of some people to get them to buy more... Read more →
Play off (one group against another)
To match opposing persons or forces or interests for one`s own gain.Nobody likes the supervisor because he is always trying to play off one... Read more →
Play off
To settle a score between two teams or contestants by playing another game or match.Our team had to play off against the other team before we... Read more →
Play it safe
To avoid taking a risk.The father always plays it safe when he goes swimming with his son.