play1 verbplay2 noun
playplay1 /pleɪ/ ●●● S1 W1 verb 
WORD ORIGINplay1
Origin:
Old English pleganVERB TABLE
play
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | play |
| he, she, it | plays | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | played |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have played |
| he, she, it | has played | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had played |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will play |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have played |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am playing |
| he, she, it | is playing | |
| you, we, they | are playing | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was playing |
| you, we, they | were playing | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been playing |
| he, she, it | has been playing | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been playing |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be playing |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been playing |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "They played well against us," Cooper said, "I have to give them credit."
- Ask Alex if he wants to play.
- Charles likes to play Celtic music on his flute.
- Come on - let's go inside and play house!
- Did you ever play doctors and nurses when you were small?
- Do you play in an orchestra?
- Do you know how to play backgammon?
- Every Sunday we play Monopoly or some other board game.
- I'm playing in a tennis match this Sunday.
- I've only played chess a few times.
- I played the ace of clubs and won the game.
- I didn't know you could play the violin.
- I have a recording of Kreisler playing Bach's E major concerto.
- I used to play tennis all the time.
- Ian was upstairs playing with his new train set.
- It's been a long time since I played hockey.
- Jimmy was playing with a little boat in the bathtub.
- Karl loves basketball and plays almost every weekend.
- Kendra's in her room playing.
- Matt plays the drums.
- Age-sensitive political issues such as Social Security and Medicare will play a major role in the campaign, of course.
- Blake's composing and playing are, perhaps ironically, bristling with life.
- In the Pittsburgh-Bills game, I have to like the way Buffalo is playing.
- Relaxing music is played at the beginning of the float and again at the end to indicate your time is up.
- She tried to teach him how to play the piano, but he had no great talent for it.
- The neck feels solid and moderately chubby, although not immediately reminiscent of anything I've played before.
- Your child can play all three goats and you the troll if there are just the two of you.
Longman Language Activatorwhen children play games
if children play , they do things they enjoy, either together in a group, or with their toys: · This is the schoolground where we played as children.· We played card games and hide-and-seek.play with: · Ian was upstairs playing with his new train set.· Jimmy was playing with a little boat in the bathtub.play at something British (=play a game in which you pretend to be someone): · We used to play at cops and robbers.
to perform in plays, films etc · In recent years Lewis has been acting in television dramas.· He learned to act when he was in high school.· That woman just can't act! (=is bad at acting)
to play the part of a particular character: · Milla Jovovich plays Joan of Arc in 'The Messenger'.· The roles of Vladimir and Estragon were played by Paul Whitworth and Ken Grantham.
to become an actor in the theatre as a job: · Jane's parents didn't want her to go on the stage.
when a play, film etc has a particular actor in it if an actor stars in a play or film, he or she is one of the most important actors in it; if a play or film stars an actor, he or she plays one of the most important characters in it: · The film stars Patricia Arquette and is directed by Steven Brill.· Director Jane Campion's latest film, which stars Kate Winslet and Harvey Keitel, was one of the highlights of the New York Film Festival.star in: · Danny Aiello stars in this comedy about New York's first big lottery winner. · Hollywood heart-throb Keanu Reeves is set to star in a true story based on a newspaper article from the Times.
if two or more actors co-star in a play or film, they are equally important actors in it; if a play or film co-stars two or more people, they play the most important characters in it : · The movie co-stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Elle Macpherson and Ben Stiller.co-star in: · Annette Bening co-starred in movies such as 'Valmont', 'Postcards from the Edge' and 'Regarding Henry'.
to act the most important part in a play or film: · Calloway played the lead in the New Federal Theater's production of 'The Louis Armstrong Story'.· He got an unexpected chance to play the lead after the film's original star fell ill.
to act in a film or play, especially as one of the most important actors: · More than 60 youngsters will perform in the play at Old Town Theater in Los Gatos.· Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh appeared together in 'Gone with the Wind'.
if a play or film features an actor, they are in it: · The play features two young actresses.· The original 'Star Trek' series, featuring William Shatner as Capt. Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock, lasted three years.
used when saying who is in a play, film etc: · Have you seen 'The Sixth Sense' with Bruce Willis?· Dawson is now producing a stage version of the story with a cast of young actors from New York.
if someone is in a play or film as a particular character, they act the part of that character: · Clint Eastwood was excellent as the strong, silent hero in his many westerns.· Paul McGann will star as a middle-class Jewish lawyer in a new BBC drama called 'Fish'.
to try to avoid risks or danger to do something in a sensible way, in order to avoid risks: · Of course you don't have to spend all your time worrying about possible health hazards, but you still need to take care.take care how/when etc: · Take care how you cross the road. Most drivers ignore the traffic lights and just drive through. take care with: · I always take great care with diets, so I don't lose too much weight too quickly.
to make preparations before you do something, in order to avoid the risk of something unpleasant happening: · Tourists should take precautions as they would in any large city, and should avoid traveling alone at night. take precautions against: · The villagers had already taken precautions against random raids by the militia.take the precaution of doing something: · Bennet had taken the precaution of transferring his house into his wife's name before his company collapsed.
to pay careful attention to what is happening and not easily trust people, in order to avoid getting into danger, being tricked etc: · Drivers have to be on their guard, as faults or signal failures can occur at any time.be on your guard against: · " We would like to warn everybody to be on their guard against unsolicited 'tradesmen'," he said.
to watch and listen very carefully when you are in a situation that might be dangerous, or in which people might try to cheat you: · It was only because John kept his wits about him that the boys managed to get home safely.· Buying a second-hand car can be very tricky. You really have to have your wits about you.
to choose a careful way of doing something instead of a way that could have more risks or danger: · My friends keep advising me to invest my money in stocks and shares but I've decided to play safe and leave it in the bank.· The Film Club could have played safe by starting the season with one of the ever-popular Hitchcock movies, but instead they chose to show an avant-garde documentary.
to organize something in a very careful way, because you want to avoid any possible risks: · This time we're taking no chances. Everything will be planned down to the last detail.· Weather forecasters have warned about the possibility of severe storms, and city officials are taking no chances.
to be one of the causes of something if something plays a part in something, it is one of several things that makes it happen or be successful: · Many cases of breast cancer have genetic causes, but environmental substances may also play a part.play a part in: · It is not yet known if weather conditions played a part in the accident.· The genius of the two designers has played a big part in the company's recent success.
if something contributes to a situation or event, it is one of the things that make it happen: · An increase in the price of drugs has contributed to the rising cost of medical care.· It is thought that the pilot's negligence may have contributed to the disaster.
formal: contributory cause/factor one of several causes of something that happens, but not the main cause: · Malnutrition was considered to have been a contributory cause of death.· Alcohol is a contributory factor in at least 50% of the violent crimes reported.
to continue doing something to not stop doing something that you are already doing: · The project's organizers hope the government will continue funding it next year.· Sometimes she just couldn't see the point of continuing.· NASA continues its efforts to communicate with intelligent beings in outer space.continue doing something: · They continued arguing long after everyone else had gone to bed.· Turn the steaks over and continue broiling for 4 to 5 more minutes.continue to do something: · She continued to live in the same house after the death of her husband.· Despite all the warnings, many people continue to smoke.continue with: · My teacher advised me to continue with my studies.
also carry on British to continue doing something that you have started without allowing anything to stop you: · The baby started crying at ten and went on all night.· It was almost too dark to see properly, but he carried on anyway.go on/carry on doing something: · When I tried to interrupt, he ignored me and went on speaking.· If you have been taking malaria tablets while abroad, you should carry on taking them for a month after you return.go on with: · The delegates decided to go on with the meeting instead of breaking off for lunch.· Don't stop! Carry on with your work.
to continue to do something for a long time - use this especially when it happens for so long that it is tiring or annoying: · That man keeps staring at me. I wish he'd stop it.· We were all tired, but we knew that we had to keep moving.· If you keep on trying, you'll get better at it.· Keep going till you come to a crossroads.
to continue doing something when you could have stopped: · We drove on, passing fewer and fewer houses.· Jones had injured his foot, but played on despite the pain.· Paul grabbed her hand and they ran on, hand in hand.
an expression meaning to continue to do something as well or with as much effort as you have been doing until now, used especially to encourage someone: keep it up: · You're doing a good job, boys. Keep it up.keep up something: · The enemy kept up the attack all through the night.· Scott kept up a constant barrage of calls and faxes until he got the answers he wanted.keep up the good work spoken: · "Keep up the good work," Harry said, patting Davy's shoulder.
especially British to continue talking about something, especially in a boring or annoying way: go on about: · I wish you'd stop going on about work all the time.go on and on: · He went on and on until we were all half asleep.
especially British, spoken to continue doing a piece of work and avoid talking or doing anything else: · Get on with your work, please. There's a lot to do.· Get on with it! We don't have all day.· I need to get on with my homework.
formal to continue doing an activity or trying to achieve something over a long period of time: · The US intends to pursue vigorous programs in space science.· A good reporter will pursue a story until he or she knows all the facts.
formal to continue to do something, especially something bad that you have been warned not to do, or something difficult that other people do not want you to do: persist in doing something: · He persisted in smoking even after having a heart attack.· American students of Spanish often persist in pronouncing words such as "presidente" in the same way as similar English words.persist in: · The White House persisted in its efforts to pass the bill, despite the opposition of Congress.
to do something that may hurt or kill you to do something very dangerous, especially in order to help someone, when you know that you may get killed because of your action: · Every day firefighters risk their lives in the course of their duty.risk your life to do something: · She risked her life to save the drowning child.
if you do something at your own risk , you must accept that it is dangerous and that it is your own fault if you are injured or killed: · Anyone who swims in this part of the river does it at their own risk.
informal to do something very dangerous in order to help someone - use this especially when you think the action is unnecessary: · Don't do it. It's not worth risking your neck.risk your neck to do something: · "Come back!" Ned shouted. "You can't risk your neck to save a dog!"
to do something that could have a very dangerous or harmful result: · Failure to stick to the safety rules is simply playing with fire.· These men are criminals. If you get involved with them, you'll be playing with fire.
informal to put yourself in a situation in which you may get killed, especially when it is a situation which you cannot control: · The teenager took his life in his hands in trying to avoid being caught by police.· You'll be taking your life in your hands if you let Eric drive you home!
to deliberately do something that is so dangerous that you may easily get killed, especially when you do it for excitement: · When young people experiment with drugs, they're dicing with death.
formal if you warn someone that they do something at their peril , you mean that it would be very dangerous for them to do it: · Any climber who neglects these simple precautions does so at their peril.· Ignore this warning at your peril.
to deal with a difficult situation in a particular way to deal with something or someone in a particular way and with a particular attitude: · The school are treating this matter very seriously.treat something/somebody lightly (=not seriously or severely): · No one would suggest that sex offenders should be treated lightly.treat something as something: · The company treats training as a continuous part of career development.· Police say that her death is being treated as suspicious.
to deal with a situation by behaving in the way you think will be best in order to achieve the result that you want: · Have you decided how you want to play it?play it well/carefully/steady etc: · You can get exactly what you want if you play it carefully.play (it) safe (=not take any risks): · In the run-up to the election, politicians in both parties just wanted to play it safe.play (it) straight (=do something or deal with someone in a direct honest way): · Some of the people involved in the competition, were not playing it straight.· "Play straight with me or I'll kill you," he hissed.play it cool (=behave as though you do not care about something or someone): · She would not show him how upset she was. It was always smarter to play it cool.play it by ear (=decide what to do as the situation develops): · "What'll you do if he asks you?" "I'm not sure, I'll play it by ear."
to begin to deal with a difficult situation in a particular way or with a particular attitude: · I don't think refusing to negotiate is the right way to approach this problem.· Try to relax before the exam, and you'll approach it in a better frame of mind.
to deliberately delay someone or something to deliberately delay doing something, or to deliberately stop someone else from doing something until a later time, either because you are not ready or to give yourself an advantage: · Quit stalling and tell me where she is.· I'm not ready to talk to him yet - go out there and see if you can stall him.· City officials have slowed the development by stalling building permits for the area.
to deliberately try to delay doing something or making a decision, because you are not ready or want more time to think about it: · Stop playing for time and give us an answer.· The rebel's current ceasefire doesn't amount to much more than playing for time.
methods used, especially by politicians, in order to delay a plan or decision so that something can be done during the delay: · Some politicians are prepared to use delaying tactics to block the bill.· The peace negotiations were being held up by the delaying tactics of France and Great Britain.
to delay doing something that you ought to do, usually because you do not want to do it - used especially to show disapproval: · He hesitated and procrastinated for weeks before he finally told her he wanted their relationship to end.procrastinate about/over: · Certain players are procrastinating over their contracts in order to see how much money they can squeeze out of their clubs.
determined to do something if you are determined to do something, you have decided that you are definitely going to do it, and you will not let anything stop you: · There's no point in trying to stop her -- it'll only make her more determined.determined to do something: · I was determined to be a professional dancer, and practised for hours every day.· Both sides in the dispute seemed determined not to compromise.determined (that): · She was determined that her children should have the best possible education.
to be determined to do something, especially something important that will affect your whole life, even if other people think you should not do it: be set on (doing) something: · Nina seems to be set on marrying him.be dead set on something (=extremely determined to do something): · I didn't particularly want to go to Africa, but Bob was dead set on the idea.
if you set your mind on something, you decide that that is what you definitely want to do or have, especially something that you will have to work hard to achieve: set your mind on (doing) something: · Once Tammy's set her mind on something, she doesn't rest until she's done it.· She's set her mind on having a big posh wedding.
to be determined to do something, especially something that other people do not approve of or think you should do: · Michael left school at fifteen, intent on a career in showbusiness.be intent on (doing) something: · He's always seems intent on stirring up trouble among his colleagues.
determined not to change your opinion or decision, especially when other people are trying to persuade you to change it: · The man in the shop was adamant. "Definitely not," he said.adamant that: · Taylor was adamant that she was not going to quit.be adamant in your belief/refusal/own mind: · Nicolson was always adamant in his belief that his films did not encourage drug-taking.adamant about: · To this day, Matthews is adamant about his innocence.
in a way that shows that you are determined to do something: · She strode purposefully up to the door and rang the bell loudly.
formal to be determined to do something because you are sure that it is the right thing to do: be resolved to do something: · The new President is resolved to impose a number of reforms.be resolved that: · Our city authorities are resolved that the new school will be built within six months.
to be determined to do something and show other people that you are determined to do it, even if it involves harming someone: · And to prove we mean business, our members will stage a one-day strike next week.· Firm action would show both sides that the EU and the UN really meant business.
American informal to be very determined to get what you want, especially in business or politics: · Toymaker Mattel is getting ready to play hardball in an effort to persuade Hasbro to reconsider a merger.play hardball with: · The Deputy Prime Minister told reporters that Canada was ready to play hardball with the US.
refusing to stop trying to do something even though the situation is difficult or people are opposing you: · As a reporter, David was tougher and more tenacious than the other three.· He was the most tenacious politician in South Korea.
to have an effect on the way people think or behave to affect the way someone behaves or thinks: · Don't let him influence you - make up your own mind.· How much does TV advertising really influence what people buy?· The jury's verdict was clearly influenced by their sympathy for the defendant.influence somebody to do something: · The prisoner claims he was influenced by his older friends to carry out the crime.
to have a continuing effect on the way that people think or behave: · His ideas are too complicated to have much real influence.have an influence on: · Clearly, the cost of fuel has an influence on what sort of car someone buys.have a great/important/profound etc influence: · Descartes' ideas have had a profound influence on modern science.
to influence someone when they have not yet definitely decided about something, so that they change their mind: · The court is unlikely to be swayed by those arguments.· Ed's parents never tried to sway him, but they are happy with the decision he's made.be easily swayed: · Insecure people are often easily swayed by flattery.
to be one of the things that has an effect on what someone decides or on what happens: play a part in: · Of course, the pay played some part in my decision to take the job.play a big/major part: · He was to go on to play a major part in the success of the new government.
if something comes into or enters into a decision, it is one of the things that influences you when you decide or choose something - use this especially in negative sentences: · Try not to let your personal feelings enter into the decision.· An applicant's age or sex doesn't come into it - we simply choose the best candidate for the job.
British /color American to influence someone's opinions or decisions, usually in a way that makes them less fair: · Foster's early experiences in Hollywood colored his views of the entire film industry.· How can he make fair and impartial decisions when political loyalties colour his judgement?
to emphasize something to say or show that you think something is especially important: · Mann stressed the need to educate people about the risks of AIDS.· She said smoking was not permitted anywhere in the school - emphasizing the word 'anywhere'.emphasize/stress (that): · The County Sheriff emphasized that there was no evidence to show that the driver had been drinking.I can't emphasize enough spoken (=this needs to be emphasized a lot): · I can't emphasize enough how grateful we are for your donations.
to emphasize something such as a problem or a fact, especially by providing new information about it: · This report highlights some of the problems faced by old people in winter.· The slump in the car industry was highlighted by Ford's offer of a $600 rebate on new cars.
if something that happens underlines or underscores a fact, especially one that is already known, it helps to emphasize that it is true: · Yesterday's shelling of a Red Cross hospital underlines the difficulties faced by rescue teams.· The recent rioting in South Africa has underlined the government's lack of control.· The dire state of child health in the country was underscored in a report by UNICEF.
to emphasize a fact or idea by giving additional, often surprising or shocking, information about it: · After the talk, the students were shown a video about heroin addiction to drive the point home.drive the point home/drive home the point that: · The reconstruction of the accident certainly drove home the point that drink-driving can kill.
also make great play of British to emphasize a fact or idea, by giving it more attention than anything else, especially if you are trying to make it seem more important than it really is: · At the interview, remember to play up your experience of teaching in Japan.· On TV last night the Democratic candidate was clearly playing up his caring image.make great play of (doing) something: · The Prime Minister made great play of environmental issues, considering how little the government has done.
to emphasize something, especially the differences between two things or situations: · In Britain, the choice between state and private schools accentuates the differences between rich and poor.· The director uses music to accentuate the rising dramatic tension.
to make something, especially the true facts of a situation, clearer and more noticeable: · Recent protests in the north of the country point up the dilemma the opposition forces are in.· Low literacy rates among the women in this area point up the need for much greater investment in girls' education.
treating people in a way that is reasonable and equal treating everyone equally, or treating people in a way that most people think is right: · The old system of student funding seemed much fairer.· Everyone has the right to a fair trial.· Observers will be present to ensure a free and fair election.it is fair that: · Do you think it's fair that she gets paid more money than me?it's only fair spoken: · Her husband should help take care of the baby - it's only fair.be fair to somebody: · In order to be fair to everyone, ticket sales are limited to two for each person.to be fair spoken (=say this when you are giving a reason why someone should not be criticized too strongly): · To be fair, these are complicated, serious issues, and the department has only been discussing them for a short time.
a situation, decision etc that is just gives someone what they rightly deserve or have a right to expect: · Many of us did not feel that the court's decision was just.· a just and lasting peacejust decision/punishment/settlement etc: · The Attorney General called the sentence a fair and just punishment for someone who had committed such a dreadful crime.
if an agreement, offer, or what someone does is reasonable , most people would agree that it is fair and sensible: · The company made every reasonable effort to correct the problem.· The students' goals in the protest seem so reasonable that the university is setting up a committee to consider them.it is reasonable to do something: · Do you think it's reasonable to expect people to work more than 60 hours a week?
giving fair and equal treatment to all sides of an argument or subject: · "Newsweek" gave a reasonably balanced report on the crisis.· Recently historians have taken a far more balanced view of the Irish question.
treating everyone equally and not showing special favour to anyone: · Local magistrates are expected to respect the law and provide even-handed justice.· The BBC has the reputation of being even-handed in its coverage of election news.
spoken use this to tell someone that they should do something because it is right and fair, especially after you have done something for them: · Come on, fair's fair. It's your turn to mind the kids.
to do something in an honest and fair way: · The film company says that it played fair in all its contract dealings with the actors' unions.· A mystery novel should play fair with the reader, providing all the clues necessary to solve the crime.
films and going to see them especially British /movie especially American a story that is told using sound and moving pictures: · Are there any good movies on TV tonight?· What's your favourite James Bond film?· The film starred Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.see a film/movie: · Have you seen any good films lately?· I saw an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie on the plane - I can't remember its name.film about: · It's the usual sort of film about boy meets girl.film/movie director/producer/company: · Tarantino is one of the most famous film directors of our time.film crew (=the people who operate the equipment when making a film): · For months the town was full of cameras, lighting and members of the film crew.feature film (=a full-length film that has a story and is acted by professional actors): · The story of Lawrence of Arabia was made into a feature film in 1962.
British /movie theater American a building where you go to see films: · the MGM cinema in Leicester Square· The city put $6.5 million towards a 10-screen movie theater and retail complex in Main Street.
British /go to the movies American to go to a cinema in order to see a film: · Do you want to go the movies this weekend?· The last time I went to the cinema was when I saw 'Stigmata'.
if a film is on or is playing at a cinema, it is being shown there: · 'Three Kings' is on at the Phoenix at the moment.· Spielberg's new blockbuster is currently playing at over 2000 theaters nationwide.what's on?: · What's on at the cinema this weekend?
to gamble to try to win money, for example by playing cards or guessing which horse will win a race: · Eddie loved to gamble, and would spend most evenings at the roulette table.gamble away something/gamble something away (=waste a lot of money by gambling): · Roger gambled away all his money in a Las Vegas casino.· She inherited $50,000 but gambled it away.
when you try to win money, for example by playing cards or guessing which horse will win a race: · Is gambling legal here?· Your Uncle Maury has a gambling problem.· Crane admits that he is addicted to gambling.· He was against the introduction of a National Lottery as he thought it might encourage gambling.
to try to win money by guessing who will win a race or game: · I don't bet very often.bet on something/have a bet on something (=gamble money on the result of a race or game): · We usually have a bet on the Grand Prix.· Rogers was not much of a gambler. When he bet on the horses, he almost always lost.bet £10/$100 etc on something: · Jerry bet $1000 on the game.place a bet (=say which horse, team, competition etc you want to gamble on and pay the money that you want to gamble): · I've placed a bet on a horse in the next race.· All bets must be placed before the start of the race.
to gamble £10, $20 etc on the horse or team that you think will win a race or competition: · I put $20 on the Cowboys to win.· He put £50 on Middlesborough to beat Manchester United at odds of 3-1.put a bet on something (=gamble on a horse, game etc): · I think I'll put a bet on the next race.
to gamble money on a particular horse, team, or person that you think will win a particular competition: · We backed a horse named Travelling Light that finished first at 10-1.back something/somebody to win something: · Uncle Barry backed Arsenal to win the FA Cup.
to gamble money on the result of a game which you are playing, for example cards: · "Are we playing for money here, gentlemen?" he said as he approached the pool table.· You're allowed to play cards in the bar, but not for money.
British informal to gamble a small amount of money, especially on the result of a horse race - use this especially about someone who does not gamble very often: · I'm not a heavy gambler, but I like to have a flutter from time to time.have a flutter on: · I had a little flutter on the Grand National and won £5.
to lose money by not guessing correctly the result of a game, race, or competition: · He claims that he lost the money on a dice game.· I lost a lot of money on the dogs last night.
to win money by correctly guessing the result of a game, race, or competition: · I heard that he won a lot of money on the Superbowl a few years ago.
to play a game · I used to play tennis all the time.· Do you know how to play backgammon?· Ask Alex if he wants to play.play for somebody · Sweet Lou played for the Detroit Tigers.play somebody/play against somebody · "They played well against us," Cooper said, "I have to give them credit."
British to play a game against someone, especially when it is not a serious or important game: · I'll give you a game of chess if you want.· No one wants to give him a game because he's too good.
to deliberately not go to school, work etc British informal to deliberately not go to school, work etc, when you should be there: · He says that he was so ill he had to be sent home from school. I bet he's skiving.· Have you been skiving off again? You'll get caught one of these days.· We were bunking off one day, and playing down by the canal.
British /play hooky American if a child plays truant or plays hooky from school, they deliberately stay away from school without their parent's permission: · Billy was caught playing truant and has been given extra homework for a month.· He'd played hooky again and ridden the train out to Brooklyn.
especially American, informal if a student cuts classes, school etc, they deliberately do not go to the classes that they should go to: · Kids cut class and ran down the street to watch the fire.
to hold something and turn it around in your hands to hold something and turn it around in your hands, for example to examine it or use it: · Please do not handle the fruit and vegetables.· This violin is very old and valuable and must be handled carefully.
to hold something small and keep turning it around in your hands, especially because you are nervous or bored: · Martina was fiddling nervously with her pen.· Stop fiddling with the remote control!
to hold something in your hands and turn it around continuously for no reason: · She played with the red roses on the table as she talked.· Is it worth reading to our kids when they're busy playing with their hair or their teddy bears? Yes.
to hold something with your fingers or in your hand, trying to move it in some way, but doing it carelessly or with difficulty: · She could hear someone fumbling with the handle of her door.· I fumbled drunkenly with the keys, dropping them to the floor.· He stood before them, his eyes lowered, fumbling with his hat.
to have an important part in something to be important in making important changes or achieving an important success: · The Church has played a leading role in the struggle for human rights.· Von Braun played a leading part in the development of space flights.
to be important in a process, event, or situation, especially by working very hard to achieve something: · The British Prime Minister figured prominently in the peace talks.· The campaign, in which many celebrities figured prominently, was a great success.· She will be remembered as someone who was always prominent in the anti-apartheid movement.
to be the most important person in changing or developing something because you have so much energy and determination: · James is the senior partner in the firm, but it is Peter who is the driving force.be the driving force behind: · Carlsson has been the driving force behind the bank's ambitious expansion plans.
to be important in making something possible, especially because of the things you do to achieve it: · Mary had been instrumental in securing my release from jail.· Women's organizations have been instrumental in promoting women's rights.
something that you do to make people laugh · We didn't mean to frighten you. It was only a joke.· Inside the parcel there was an empty bottle. "Is this some kind of joke?'' he asked.take a joke (=accept a joke that is against you) · I can take a joke as well as anyone, but this isn't funny, it's embarrassing.
a trick, especially one that is carefully planned that is intended to confuse and surprise someone and to make other people laugh at them: · The phone call was the sort of practical joke that radio stations often play on celebrities.play a practical joke: · Police believe the circles in the crops are made by someone playing an elaborate practical joke.
a silly action that is intended as a harmless joke - use this especially when something serious happens as a result of it: · The fire was started as a prank.· Pushing her in the river seemed like a harmless prank, but it ended in tragedy.pull/play a prank (on somebody): · Every year, the older kids pull pranks on new students.
to surprise or deceive someone with a trick so that you and other people can laugh at them: · He didn't seem the type of boy to play jokes.play a trick/joke on: · When she didn't come, I thought she was playing a trick on me.
also for a joke British if you do something as a joke or for a joke , you do it because you think it will have amusing results or make people laugh: · You shouldn't spread rumours like that, even as a joke.· Once, for a joke, they changed round all the numbers on the doors.
British informal if you do something for a laugh , you do it for fun or to make people laugh: · Just for a laugh we hung all the pictures upside down.· Kevin set off the fire alarm for a laugh.
to play music to make music on a musical instrument: · Do you play in an orchestra?· Charles likes to play Celtic music on his flute.play the piano/trumpet/drums etc: · I didn't know you could play the violin.
formal to sing or play music in front of people who have come to listen: · She still gets very nervous about performing in public.· The orchestra will be at the Festival Hall tonight, performing a selection of works by Russian composers.
playing a particular instrument in a band: · When they perform, Barbara sings and her older sister Suzie is on drums.· The recording features Norman Simmons on piano and Henry Johnson on guitar.
to perform music by creating it from your imagination while you play or sing: · You can't play jazz unless you can improvise.· Mike improvised a little farewell song at the end of the evening.
to play jazz or rock music with other people in an informal way, without planning what you are going to play: · Some guys are getting together tonight at Scott's to jam.jam with: · Matthews used to jam with drummer Carter Beauford and saxophonist LeRoi Moore.jam session (=an occasion when a group of musicians jam): · All-night jam sessions were common in Kansas City jazz clubs of the 1930s.
to play a song or piece of music from memory without reading the written music: · He never took piano lessons - he just plays by ear.· With the Suzuki method, a child is trained to play by ear at an early age without any written music.
to not try to plan things, but deal with them as they happen to not worry about or plan for something that has not happened yet, but decide what to do when it happens: · I always think the best way of approaching an interview is to take it as it comes.take things as they come: · The only way to manage when you have small kids is to take things as they come.take life as it comes/take each day as it comes: · If I were you, I'd just enjoy each day and take life as it comes.
spoken to not make plans about how to deal with a particular situation, but decide to wait until it actually happens and hope that you will know what to do then: · "Shall we tell Dad what's happened?" "Let's play it by ear and see what sort of mood he's in."· We've booked the flight, but not the accommodation -- we'll play it by ear when we get there.
to not plan very far in the future because you have too many problems now to be able to think about what may happen later: · Since Jim got ill, we've just had to live from day to day.· There's nothing as depressing as living from day to day, as the unemployed are forced to do.
if you deal with a problem or difficult situation one day at a time , you try to think about just what is happening in the present and do not try to plan what you will do in the future: · I've no idea where we'll live. Anyway, one day at a time.take/live one day at a time: · In order to overcome their addiction, they have to learn to take one day at a time.
to play a game or do a sport to take part in a game or sport - use this especially about games in which you try to win against another person or team: · Karl loves basketball and plays almost every weekend.· Every Sunday we play Monopoly or some other board game.play in: · I'm playing in a tennis match this Sunday.play football/tennis/golf/baseball etc: · It's been a long time since I played hockey.
especially spoken use this especially when talking about sports that are not team sports: · I do aerobics twice a week.· He used to do karate when he was in college.
use this about sports whose names end in '-ing': go climbing/swimming/running/riding etc: · John goes running every morning.· Make sure whoever you go climbing with is a safe and trustworthy partner.
to play against someone else · Barcelona will play Milan in the final.· This was McDaniel's first game playing against his former teammates.play tennis/golf/chess etc with somebody · Dad's out playing golf with Barry this morning.play somebody at tennis/golf etc British · I'm playing Andy at tennis this afternoon.
also take on to play against a person or team, especially one that will be difficult to beat - used in newspapers and broadcasts: · Tomorrow, Jane Wilkes, a first-round qualifier, takes on the world number one, Monica Seles.· UCLA will face North Carolina tonight at Pauley Pavilion.
British informal to play a game against another person, especially when it is not a serious or important game: · If you want to play chess ask Maria -- she'll give you a game.
against another person or team: · Yesterday in the semi-final we saw Sampras versus Henman.· It's a friendly game - the women versus the men.
also v British written abbreviation of versus: · Today's games include the Chicago Bulls vs. the Boston Celtics.· Gascoigne was back in the UK, to play in the England v France match.
to pretend something as a game to pretend something as a game, or because you enjoy it: pretend (that): · I like to drive around in my brother's BMW and pretend I'm a rich businessman.pretend to be: · He burst into the room with a toy gun in his hand, pretending to be a gangster.
to pretend that pleasant things are happening, that you are someone or somewhere you want to be, etc: make believe (that): · The two little girls used to make believe that they were princesses.make believe: · Right, kids. We don't have any proper cowboy hats so you'll have to make believe.
also play at British if children play or play at something, they pretend to be a particular type of person or to do a particular thing, as a game: · When I was young we played at pirates whenever we were on the beach.· When my sister was little, she always wanted to play school.play doctors and nurses: · Did you ever play doctors and nurses when you were small?play happy familiesBritish /play house American (=pretend to be a family): · Come on - let's go inside and play house!
behaving as if you have a secret unwilling to let other people know what you are doing, or to give them information about yourself: · Years of living alone had made her secretive and unwilling to trust anyone.· Why did Stephen always have to be so secretive in his business dealings? · Much of the discussion focused upon North Korea's highly secretive nuclear program.secretive about: · Kath's very secretive about her past, isn't she?
informal unwilling to tell people definitely what your plans, intentions, or opinions are - use this especially when you cannot think of a good reason for someone doing this: · He gets very cagey whenever I ask him about his job.cagey about: · She's very cagey about what she spends her money on, don't you think?play it cagey American: · Coach Bob Dwyer is playing it cagey over his choice of a replacement skipper.
British /play your cards close to your vest American if someone plays their cards close to their chest or vest , they do not allow other people to know what they are planning to do next: · Roslin, known for playing his cards close to his vest, declined to comment.
someone who is furtive or behaves in a furtive way looks as though they are keeping something secret, especially something wrong that they have done: · His movements were quick and furtive, and he spoke in a whisper.· Miss Baggely appeared unconfident, almost furtive.· The two girls exchanged furtive glances across the dinner table and tried hard not to giggle.
doing something only in secret , so that other people do not know you are doing it: · I actually think he's probably a secret Republican voter.· He hid the fact that he was a secret drinker from his employees for many years.
: closet alcoholic/homosexual/communist etc one who is secretly an alcoholic, homosexual etc: · He finally came out in 1998, after years as a closet homosexual.
to try to make someone feel sorry for you also play for sympathy to unfairly try to make someone feel sorry for you, in order to gain an advantage for yourself: · She had lain in her bed for years, feigning illness and playing on the sympathy of her daughters.· He decided it was best to play for sympathy on this occasion, because she might know if he tried to lie.
a story or explanation, especially one that is untrue, told by someone in order to make other people feel sorry for them: · A beggar approached me with some hard-luck story about an accident.give somebody a hard-luck/sob story: · The defendant gave us some sob story about a sick child.
to take part in an event, activity, discussion etc · She wanted to take part but she was too ill.· The program teaches children about conservation, and about 30 schools are taking part.take part in · Nearly 500 teams took part in the competition.· Police have arrested a number of people who took part in the riot.· She was asked to take part in a TV debate on drugs.take an active/leading part · John has taken an active part in getting artists together for the festival.
to take part in an activity with a small number of other people, often something bad or illegal: · Choosing a school is an important decision, and both parents ought to be involved.be involved in: · At least three politicians are involved in the scandal.· The two men have denied being involved in Troy's kidnapping and murder.· Roughly two-thirds of high school students are involved in volunteer community work.
formal to take part in an activity, especially an organized activity: · There are regular class discussions, but some of the students never participate.· Being a spectator wasn't as enjoyable as participating.participate in: · Over 300 local firms participated in the survey.· Members can participate in any of the trips organized by the club.· Our employees are encouraged to participate in the decision making process.
to take part in some way in an activity or piece of work, especially one which has a useful result or purpose: · Our goal is to make sure everyone plays a part and shares in the credit.· Although the budget committees guide Congress's actions on spending, every committee plays a role.play a part/role in: · Hart clearly played a role in the decision to change admission standards.· Together with the police everyone can play a part in improving the security of their neighborhood.play an active/large/important etc part/role: · Men now play a larger part in looking after their children.· The most effective learning occurs when the child is allowed to play a more active role in the learning process.· The Secretary of State played a leading role in the government's successful foreign policy.· Schneider played a key role in getting the organization started.
to actively take part in the work of an organization such as a political group or church: · He is very active in the church's work with homeless people.· In school I was very active in sports and student government.· Allen, who is still on the board, is no longer active in the day-to-day management of the company.
to actively take part in a group discussion or group activity, especially by giving your opinions and ideas: · When we have class debates we try and get all the kids to contribute.· During the discussions MacDonald seemed to be listening, but he had nothing to contribute.contribute ideas/suggestions etc: · Readers are invited to contribute their opinions on any of the issues discussed here.
to take part in a TV or radio programme: · Forbes appeared on "Meet the Press" to discuss recent political developments.· He has often appeared on the BBC sports programme "A Question of Sport".
formal to be taking part in an activity, a conversation etc, especially one that continues for a long period of time: · The Nationalists have been engaged in a bitter fifteen-year armed struggle for independence.· During dinner I found myself engaged in a long complicated discussion with the doctor's wife.
involving doing or learning about something by taking part in it yourself, rather than just watching, reading about it, or hearing about it from someone else: · The training programs give students practical hands-on experience.· The exhibit includes numerous hands-on activities, including several archaeological dig stations.· Mr Garvey is known as a hands-on manager with an in-depth knowledge of the whole company.
to make something seem less important than it really is also trivialise British to write or talk about something in a way that makes it seem less serious or important than it really is: · The newspaper's headlines trivialized the war, making it seem like a game.· Judges feared that showing the trial on television would trivialize the legal process.
to pretend that a problem, illness etc is less important or serious than it really is: · He accused drug companies of downplaying the risks of the new drug.· She downplayed any suggestion that there had been a leak in the chemical factory.play down something: · The government is trying to play down the seriousness of the unemployment figures.play something down: · The plan will cause a lot of changes, but officials are trying to play it down.
to say or do something that makes someone's efforts or achievements seem unimportant or useless: · Good teachers never belittle their students.· Does your boss constantly belittle your contribution to the department?
to describe the size, value, or importance of something in a way that makes it seem less than it really is: · I think you are understating the importance to young people of a stable home life.· In the report, the incidence of violent crime is consistently understated.
to wrongly think that something is less important than it really is: · People often underestimate the importance of human relationships in successful companies.· Never underestimate the value of really good training.
to use a situation in order to gain an advantage: use something to do something · She used her position as manager to get jobs for her friends.· The prisoners used the confusion caused by the fire to conceal their escape.use something for something · Charles was able to use his family connection for his own personal advancement.use something as something · Right-wing activists used people's fear of unemployment as a way of stirring up extremism.
to use a situation in order to gain as much advantage for yourself as possible, especially in a way that people disapprove of: · Opposition leaders were quick to exploit government embarrassment over the incident.exploit something to do something: · The country could exploit its position as a major oil producer to push up world oil prices.
to use a situation in order to gain an advantage for yourself, especially when that situation has already existed for some time: · I made use of my old contacts to get a job when I come back from Australia.· The Republicans were making use of their large majority in congress to block legislation on taxes.
to use an opportunity in order to do what you want or need to do: · Shoppers flocked to take advantage of a supermarket price war which cut the price of many goods.take advantage of to do something: · Many small investors are taking advantage of these attractive share offers to make a quick profit.
: play on somebody's fears/greed/sympathy/prejudices etc to use someone's fears, sympathy etc in order to gain an advantage for yourself: · A common sales tactic is to play on people's greed in order to make them buy more than they need.· Disguised as an electrician, he played on people's trust to trick them out of money.
to use a situation in order to gain an advantage and make yourself more successful or more effective: · Teachers can capitalize on young children's natural curiosity.fail to capitalize on something: · The generals failed to capitalize on the weaknesses and divisions in the enemy camp.capitalize on to do something: · Will the President capitalize on his immense popularity to exert strong leadership?
WORD SETSa cappella, adjectiveaccelerando, adjectiveaccompaniment, nounaccompanist, nounaccompany, verbaccordion, nounacid house, nounacoustic, adjectiveadagio, nounallegro, nounandante, adjectiveandante, nounanthem, nounaria, nounarpeggio, nounarr., arrange, verbarrangement, nounatonal, adjectiveback, verbbacking, nounbagpipes, nounbalalaika, nounballad, nounband, nounbandmaster, nounbandsman, nounbandstand, nounbanjo, nounbar, nounbarbershop, nounbaritone, nounbarrel organ, nounbass, nounbass, adjectivebass clef, nounbass guitar, nounbassist, nounbassoon, nounbaton, nounbeat, verbbeat, nounbebop, nounblast, verbblow, verbbluegrass, nounbolero, nounbongos, nounboogie, nounbootleg, nounbow, nounbow, verbbrass band, nounbreve, nounbridge, nounbugle, nounbusk, verbC, nouncabaret, nouncadence, nouncadenza, nouncalypso, nounC & W, canon, nouncantata, nouncanticle, nouncantor, nouncarillon, nouncarol, nouncarol, verbcastanets, nouncatchy, adjectivecellist, nouncello, nounchamber music, nounchamber orchestra, nounchant, verbchant, nounchoir, nounchoirboy, nounchoral, adjectivechorale, nounchord, nounchorister, nounchorus, nounChristmas carol, nounchromatic, adjectiveclapper, nounclarinet, nounclavichord, nounclef, nouncoda, nouncoloratura, nouncombo, nouncompose, verbcomposer, nounconcert, nounconcertgoer, nounconcertina, nounconcertmaster, nounconcerto, nounconduct, verbconductor, nounconsonant, adjectiveconsort, nouncontinuo, nouncontrabass, nouncontralto, nouncor anglais, nouncornet, nouncounterpoint, nouncountertenor, nouncountry and western, nouncountry music, nouncover, verbcover, nouncrescendo, nouncroon, verbcrotchet, nouncut, verbcymbal, nounD, noundamper, noundance, noundance band, noundemo, noundescant, noundidgeridoo, noundiminuendo, noundirge, noundisc jockey, noundiscord, noundiscordant, adjectivedissonance, nounditty, nounDixieland, noundo, noundoh, noundominant, noundouble bass, noundownbeat, noundrum, noundrum, verbdrumbeat, noundrum kit, noundrum major, noundrummer, noundrumming, noundrum-roll, noundrumstick, noundub, nounduet, noundulcimer, nounduo, nounear, nouneasy listening, nouneighth note, nounelevator music, nounencore, interjectionensemble, nounexpression, nounf., fa, nounfalsetto, nounfanfare, nounfantasia, nounfiddle, nounfiddler, nounfife, nounfinale, nounfingering, nounflat, adjectiveflat, nounflat, adverbflautist, nounfloor show, nounflourish, nounflute, nounfolk, nounfolk, adjectivefolk music, nounforte, nounforte, adjectivefortissimo, adjectiveforty-five, nounFrench horn, nounfret, nounfugue, nounfunk, nounfunky, adjectiveg, gamelan, noungig, noungig, verbglee club, nounglide, nounglockenspiel, noungong, noungospel, noungrand, noungrand opera, noungrand piano, nounGregorian chant, noungroup, nounguitar, nounhalf note, nounhalf step, nounhammer, nounhard rock, nounharmonic, adjectiveharmonica, nounharmonium, nounharmonize, verbharmony, nounharp, nounharpsichord, nounheavy metal, nounhigh, adjectivehigh-pitched, adjectivehip hop, nounhorn, nounhot, adjectivehouse music, nounhurdy-gurdy, nounhymn, nounimpressionism, nounimpressionist, nounimprovise, verbincidental music, nouninstrument, nouninstrumental, adjectiveinstrumental, nouninstrumentalist, nouninstrumentation, nouninterlude, nouninterval, nounjam, verbjam session, nounjazz, nounjazzy, adjectivejig, nounjingle, nounjungle, nounkaraoke, nounkazoo, nounkettledrum, nounkey, nounkeyboard, nounkey signature, nounla, nounlament, nounlargo, adjectiveleader, nounledger line, nounlegato, adjectiveleitmotif, nounlento, adjectivelibrettist, nounlibretto, nounlilt, nounlullaby, nounlute, nounlyre, nounlyric, adjectivelyrical, adjectivelyricism, nounlyricist, nounmadrigal, nounmaestro, nounmajor, adjectivemale-voice choir, nounmandolin, nounmaracas, nounmarch, nounmarching band, nounmariachi, nounmarimba, nounmasterclass, nounmedley, nounmellifluous, adjectivemelodic, adjectivemelodious, adjectivemelody, nounmetronome, nounmezzo-soprano, nounmi, nounmiddle C, nounminim, nounminor, adjectiveminstrel, nounminuet, nounmodal, adjectivemode, nounmoderato, adjectivemodulate, verbmolto, adverbmood music, nounmotif, nounmouth organ, nounmouthpiece, nounmovement, nounmusic, nounmusical, adjectivemusical, nounmusical instrument, nounmusically, adverbmusician, nounmusicianship, nounmusicology, nounmusic stand, nounmute, verbmute, nounMuzak, nounnational anthem, nounnatural, adjectivenatural, nounNegro spiritual, nounnocturne, nounnote, nounnumber, nounnumber one, nounnursery rhyme, nounoboe, nounoctave, nounoctet, nounoff-key, adjectiveone-man band, nounopera, nounopera house, nounoperetta, nounopus, nounoratorio, nounorchestra, nounorchestral, adjectiveorchestra pit, nounorchestrate, verborgan, nounorgan grinder, nounorganist, nounovertone, nounoverture, nounp., panpipes, nounpart, nounpart-song, nounpause, nounpeal, verbpedal, nounpeg, nounpenny whistle, nounpercussion, nounperfect pitch, nounPhilharmonic, adjectivephrase, nounphrase, verbphrasing, nounpianissimo, adjectivepianist, nounpiano, nounpiano, adjectivepianola, nounpiccolo, nounpick, verbpick, nounpipe, verbpiped music, nounpiper, nounpitch, nounpitch, verbpizzicato, nounplainchant, nounplainsong, nounplay, verbplayer, nounplayer piano, nounplectrum, nounpluck, verbpolyphony, nounpop, nounpop group, nounpop music, nounpop star, nounprelude, nounpresto, adjectivepresto, nounprima donna, nounproduction number, nounpromenade concert, nounpsaltery, nounpunk, nounquarter note, nounquartet, nounquaver, nounquintet, nounR & B, nounrag, nounraga, nounragga, nounragtime, nounrange, nounrap, nounrap, verbrapper, nounrecital, nounrecitative, nounrecord, nounrecorder, nounreed, nounrefrain, nounreggae, nounregister, nounremaster, verbrendering, nounrendition, nounrepeat, nounrequest, nounrequiem, nounresonator, nounrest, nounrhapsody, nounrhythm, nounrhythm and blues, nounrhythm section, nounriff, nounroadie, nounroad manager, nounrock, nounrock and roll, nounrock music, nounrock 'n' roll, nounrondo, nounrostrum, nounround, nounrumba, nounrun, nounsalsa, nounsamba, nounsaxophone, nounsaxophonist, nounscale, nounscat, nounscherzo, nounscore, nounscore, verbsemibreve, nounsemiquaver, nounsemitone, nounseptet, nounserenade, nounserenade, verbset, nounsetting, nounsextet, nounshanty, nounsharp, adverbsharp, nounsheet music, nounsight-read, verbsignature tune, nounsing, verbsinger, nounsinger-songwriter, nounsingle, nounsitar, nounsixteenth note, nounska, nounskiffle, nounslide, nounslur, verbslur, nounsnare drum, nounso, nounsol, nounsol-fa, nounsolo, adjectivesolo, nounsoloist, nounsonata, nounsong, nounsongbook, nounsongster, nounsongwriter, nounsoprano, nounsoprano, adjectivesoul, nounsoundtrack, nounspiritual, nounsqueezebox, nounstaccato, adverbstaff, nounstandard, nounStar-Spangled Banner, the, stave, nounsteel band, nounsteel guitar, nounstep, nounstring, verbstringed instrument, nounstrum, verbstudy, nounsuite, nounswell, nounswing, nounsymphony, nounsyncopated, adjectivesyncopation, nounsynthesis, nounsynthesize, verbsynthesizer, nountabla, nountabor, nountambourine, nountechno, nountempo, nountenor, nountenor, adjectiveTex-Mex, adjectivetheme, nounthrash, nounthrenody, nounthrob, verbti, nountimbrel, nountime, nountime signature, nountimpani, nountoccata, nountom-tom, nountonal, adjectivetonality, nountone, nountone-deaf, adjectivetone poem, nountonic, nountootle, verbtrack, nountranscribe, verbtranspose, verbtreble, nountreble, adjectivetreble clef, nountremolo, nountriangle, nountrill, nountrombone, nountrumpet, nountuba, nountune, nountune, verbtuneful, adjectivetuneless, adjectivetuning fork, nountuning peg, nounukulele, noununaccompanied, adjectiveupright piano, nounvalve, nounvariation, nounverse, nounvibes, nounvibraphone, nounvibrato, nounviola, nounviolin, nounviolinist, nounvirginals, nounvirtuoso, nounvivace, adjectivevocal, adjectivevocal, nounvocalist, nounvoice, nounvoluntary, nounwaltz, nounwarble, verbwarbler, nounwhole note, nounwind instrument, nounwoodwind, nounxylophone, nounyodel, verbyodel, nounzither, nounzydeco, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
Outside, the children were playing cowboys and Indians. DJs playing the latest house and techno tracks Playing a character so different from herself was a challenge. the accusation that scientists are playing God Some snakes fool predators by playing dead. ‘What do you mean?’ ‘Don’t play dumb (=pretend you do not know something).' Don’t play the innocent (=pretend you do not know about something) with me – we both know what happened. Susan felt she had to play the good wife. He played the fool (=behaved in a silly way) at school instead of working. Play it safe (=avoid risks) and make sure the eggs are thoroughly cooked. If you like him, play it cool, or you might scare him off. We’ll see what the weather’s like and play it by ear. Who knows? If you play your cards right, maybe he’ll marry you. The White House spokeswoman sought to play down the significance of the event. The two musicians played off each other in a piece of inspired improvisation. It will be interesting to see how the election plays itself out. After university, I played with the idea of teaching English in China.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES She has already appeared in a number of films. He would play devil’s advocate with anyone. Jones played the drums in an all-girl band. ‘What is it?’ I asked, playing dumb (=pretending to be stupid). rules designed to ensure fair play This kind of behavior violates many people’s sense of fair play. The police said they had no reason to suspect foul play. Detectives have not ruled out foul play. Billy Graham is a speaker who can be sure of playing to a full house. The band are doing a gig in Sheffield on Nov 12. Rain has continued to play havoc with sporting events. He’s obviously playing head games with you. The army played a leading role in organizing the attempted coup. The band is playing live in Birmingham tonight. As soon as she graduated from college, she started to play the market (=risk money on the stock market). He’s obviously playing mind games with you. Can you play poker? We went to the pub and played pool. Mandela played a prominent role in the early years of the ANC. a 20-minute puppet show I prefer playing singles. They meet up every Friday to play snooker. We’re playing for high stakes here. I hope, for your sake, you’re playing it straight (=being honest). The position of the body led the police to suspect murder. kids playing on the swings Annie was playing happily with her toys. The girls were playing tricks on their teacher. After walking for hours in the hot sun, his mind began playing tricks on him. But then he decided to play his trump card (=use his advantage). The band will play (=perform at) as many venues as possible.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
Outside, the children were playing cowboys and Indians. DJs playing the latest house and techno tracks Playing a character so different from herself was a challenge. the accusation that scientists are playing God Some snakes fool predators by playing dead. ‘What do you mean?’ ‘Don’t play dumb (=pretend you do not know something).' Don’t play the innocent (=pretend you do not know about something) with me – we both know what happened. Susan felt she had to play the good wife. He played the fool (=behaved in a silly way) at school instead of working. Play it safe (=avoid risks) and make sure the eggs are thoroughly cooked. If you like him, play it cool, or you might scare him off. We’ll see what the weather’s like and play it by ear. Who knows? If you play your cards right, maybe he’ll marry you. The White House spokeswoman sought to play down the significance of the event. The two musicians played off each other in a piece of inspired improvisation. It will be interesting to see how the election plays itself out. After university, I played with the idea of teaching English in China.· Do you play an active role in your community?
She has already appeared in a number of films. (=a place for children to play)· There’s a nice play area for the kiddies.
· The band played to huge audiences in Mexico City and Buenos Aires.
(=be a musician or singer in a band)· Budd played in a rock band.
· The band is performing live on Saturday night.
· Shall I play my new CD?
· I wanted to play the character of Danny.
· Do you want to play chess?
· I'm playing in a jazz concert on Saturday night.
· Do you play cricket?
· Parents play a crucial role in preparing their children for adult life.
He would play devil’s advocate with anyone. Jones played the drums in an all-girl band. ‘What is it?’ I asked, playing dumb (=pretending to be stupid).· Antibiotics play an essential role in controlling infection.
rules designed to ensure fair play This kind of behavior violates many people’s sense of fair play. American English (=treat one person better than others) The manager insisted he doesn’t play favorites.
The manager insisted he doesn’t play favorites. (=perform at a festival)· Sting is scheduled to appear at a festival in Amsterdam next month.
· The boys are playing football in the garden.
The police said they had no reason to suspect foul play. Detectives have not ruled out foul play. Billy Graham is a speaker who can be sure of playing to a full house.· They explained how to play the game.
British English (=played to decide the winner after a previous game ended with both teams having equal points)
The band are doing a gig in Sheffield on Nov 12.· I play golf at the weekends.
Rain has continued to play havoc with sporting events. He’s obviously playing head games with you. (=provide the place, food etc for a special meeting or event) The gallery is playing host to an exhibition of sculpture.
The gallery is playing host to an exhibition of sculpture.· Can you play a musical instrument?
(also learn an instrument)· All students at the school have the opportunity to learn an instrument.
(=trick someone to make people laugh)· John’s always playing jokes on his brothers.
The army played a leading role in organizing the attempted coup. The band is playing live in Birmingham tonight. As soon as she graduated from college, she started to play the market (=risk money on the stock market).· We played the match in heavy rain.
· At this point, the flute begins to play the melody.
He’s obviously playing mind games with you.· A small band was playing jazz music.
· She plays the part of an ageing beauty queen.
· Can you play the piano?
· We all sang while Mum played something on the piano.
Can you play poker? We went to the pub and played pool. Mandela played a prominent role in the early years of the ANC. a 20-minute puppet show· He rarely plays any sports.
· He played a prominent role in the company’s success.
· She was the first actress to play the role of Peter Pan.
(=do what is expected and agreed)· The system works well enough — as long as everyone plays by the rules.
I prefer playing singles. They meet up every Friday to play snooker. (=with singing and musical instruments)· The band played a lot of their old songs.
· My ambition was to play sport at the highest level.
We’re playing for high stakes here. I hope, for your sake, you’re playing it straight (=being honest). (=use people's qualities and abilities in the best way in order to achieve something)· Both parties are playing to their strengths.
The position of the body led the police to suspect murder. kids playing on the swings (=make someone feel sorry for you in order to get an advantage for yourself)· If that doesn’t work, she knows how to play on his sympathy.
· He wants to play for a better team.
· One reason for the 49ers’ success is that they play as a team.
Annie was playing happily with her toys. The girls were playing tricks on their teacher. After walking for hours in the hot sun, his mind began playing tricks on him. But then he decided to play his trump card (=use his advantage).· He played a tune on the piano.
The band will play (=perform at) as many venues as possible.· Not that she minded Jack playing around because she knew that one day he would be hers.· He played around with both boys and girls and he was capable of uncontrolled violence.· My little girl loves playing around to music.· Why were men able to play around with any sort of drab?· It is generally true that PageMaker users find out about some 80-90% of the program's capabilities just by playing around.· Because of the way my grandfather lived, getting drunk and playing around, his son suffered.· She encourages customers to play around with samples so they feel they are helping to design their own rooms.· No one wants to walk around playing the way I did last year.
· I agree he plays well enough for Eire tho.· The Raiders had enough incentive to play well Sunday.· As for the two principals, they play well if not brilliantly together as the star-crossed lovers.· The promise of massive tax cuts is a political staple that has always played well in the past.· From what I saw of the match he played well.· We played well against them in New York.· When he was playing well and winning, he still hit diabolical shots that you couldn't believe.· I expect us to go out and play well.
NOUN· The first option is to play the ball as it lies.· If she scored high enough, she would come to the university and play ball.· These are the two accepted ways of playing the rising ball.· This year, the labor situation is still unsettled, but Dewey is ready to go to Arizona and play ball.· You may return to where the original stroke was played and, under a one-stroke penalty, play another ball.· I played rookie ball and Class-A.· Children were playing and throwing a ball for each other to catch.· In other words, let somebody else play with the ball occasionally.
· In high season the village brass band plays regular concerts and there are waterski displays most weeks.· Lightning struck twice when the band played the wedding of friend Brian Setzer, the rockabilly guitarist and ex-Stray Cat.· The soldiers were lined up in the square again, flags waved, the band played the welcoming march.· The band still plays 100 concerts a year.· When the band started to play again after their break he danced only once with Lily, but twice with Madge.· Sensing the audience craving for that golden era, the band played it up.
· Oh, no - she knew how to play her cards right.· As a result, they must learn to play their cards differently.· Berger moved past the men who were playing cards.· Previously, the company had a reputation of playing its cards close to its chest.· Mugabe now plays the race card.· Hardaway has played his final card.· It is a team game played by picking cards and describing as many entries before the timer runs out.· He played cards with Mrs Bedwin and listened to stories about her family.
· Because she played a character we liked.· Redford played a character where everything came easy.· Rex may be the ideal idol to many men but you will have to settle with playing his character in the game.· What Ullman wants is to play every character in her imagination, at great personal sacrifice.· According to Robin Williams, who plays Peter, the character has the business world at his mercy.· Woodard plays this conflicted character at an Emmy / CableACE level.· He narrates most of the film and his real-life son Guillaume plays his character as a young man.· Sister Aimee herself-in fetching costume-always played the lead character.
· You get the child who plays for safety and draws what he has drawn before.· If your child enjoys playing with trains, this is a marvelous opportunity to take advantage of that interest.· The child wants to play with other children.· If children play on or next to the track, this video warns, they're putting their own lives at risk.· Some self-absorbed children play elaborate fantasy games by themselves, and one can admire their creativity and imagination.· When you have some one in pain and a child who wants to play, you have to deal with the pain first.· Younger children can play the software, but it was not designed for them.
· I wondered if any of them had ever played football with Romario.· He had played football in college and claimed he had an instinct for battle.· He insisted on returning to his old school, where he passed his exams and regularly plays football.· Benny, you ever play football?· Leeds do play a lot of football, but they hit a long ball as well.· We want him to play football.· He played league football at 50.· They still play attractive football, but there is no end product.
· It was a game they played.· How can we recognize when a game is being played?· But of the five games played since her injury, the Ducks have won four.· It was the first time Yusupov has ever beaten Karpov, and leaves the scores level with three games left to play.· They have 17 games left to play.· It was like a trick, a game she had played.· Book No. 9 came from a game we used to play together when we were kids called Mary Weatherworth.
· The Dauphin was showing Henry that he was just a stupid kid who should still be playing games.· Also, Arias played in 84 games with the Angels last year.· About twenty or twenty-five guests would assemble at six o'clock, and we would play party games until supper.· About 2. 7 million households have people who play computer games.· Had to play games too, and felt dead.· He treated the piglet tenderly, played games with it, and spoke to it as if to a child.· I don't care to play out my silly games before the assembled company.
· We used to play golf, but went by the board when he moved.· But he played splendid golf, which at least kept his fans in good spirits.· Steve's been playing golf for 18 months now.· But you just watch Nick Faldo play a round of golf in a Major, no-one does it better.· By six I was playing golf.· But for those who take the plunge there is plenty to keep them amused, particularly if they play bowls or golf.· In those days, hardly anybody around here played golf.
· Traditionally traders play farmers in the match, which has no referee and no rules.· Braking, he thought of matches a child had been playing with, matches spilled from a box.· Female speaker Don't play with matches and don't play near fires.· The tragedy was that Rochford played no more than 80 matches for his county.· Extra Time - Can be played if a cup match is drawn.· We played the match and won, and just before saying goodbye I said I'd see him at Birkdale.· You played in that match when I crocked my knee.· But if Liverpool are playing in a big match, we let them stay up until the end.
· It will help if you lie down and have some very soft music playing.· Fraser and I both studied classical music and revived it playing traditional stuff.· Inside the music was still playing.· He has taught himself to paint, to write music, play the flute, to write.· All the players walk around the room while the music is being played.· Fortunately, there's usually groovy soul music playing and eye-catching art adorning the walls.· I threw myself into organising the funeral, picking out the music I wanted played.· As one might suspect for addicted musicians, music plays a very small role in their lives.
· Particular attention is paid to ageism, and the part counselling can play in combating its effects.· One is the extraordinary part that women have played in the spread of the movement.· Finally he considers the part education should play.· In fact, it often appeared that the part men play in some pentecostal churches is more shadow than substance.· However, computers do have a large part to play in education.· What part precisely did Leonardo play in developing the human imagination?· Perhaps this explains the exceptional range of the parts he played.
· He rarely drank, never smoked and played the piano, but not for the purposes of a sing-song.· Terrasson, who was born in Berlin and grew up in Paris, began playing piano at 5.· He cycled to the school, and he played the piano.· She played the piano for an hour every Thursday at a Northeast Austin retirement home.· Anne was playing the piano, and singing quietly to herself.· If Tiffani wants to play the piano, he has decided that she will have the lessons.· Jobim sings or plays piano or guitar on every selection.
· Activities include group exercises, role playing and much feedback and discussion.· The leading role played by Mary at the Crucifixion and Resurrection needs no re-telling.· It has a positive role to play in an organisation, and that role is particularly emphasised in this chapter.· Congress still has a big role to play in shaping the missile defence budget.· Although Napoleon was not much use on this occasion, the full-size skeleton has an important role to play in the future.· Obviously, sponsors have a very important role to play.· Wages councils, set up in the early 1900s, have no role to play in the 1990s, ministers argue.· The article, instead, juxtaposes the practice with the important role played by women in that patriarchal society.
· They were all playing by the same rules.· No significant playing rules changes are in the works.· Anyone can do it so long as they are not criminals or kids, and promise to play by the rules.· They'd played by the rules and made what was often an unpleasant ocean voyage that cost them most of their savings.· This panto is playing strictly by the rules.· Jody is not playing by the rules he values.· All games to be played according to pre-arranged rules.· Whether the department has to play by the same rules is debatable.
· It is a team game played by picking cards and describing as many entries before the timer runs out.· The eight teams will play a round-robin tournament beginning on July 21, with the top four advancing to single-elimination semifinals.· As head coach Mike White noted this week, that emphasis has paid off with much improved special teams play.· Some of the team also had to play a couple of games up on stage.· He forced team play in his unit.· I realize our team plays that much better when certain guys get into it.
VERB· Findings show that A-levels continue to play a dominant role in regulating entry to Higher Education.· I wish they would continue to play at the Forum.· Manchester United continue to play with fire, losing 2-1 against Anderlecht.· In the meantime, the two opposing counsels continue to play a role that is unusually public.· At the Boma Ground stadium children continue to play football.· You have great teams and then it takes a while to continue to play at a pace that your fans like.· The same can not be said for Sharp who has continued to play well below anybody else on the team every game.· Robert Jenkins continues to play left tackle, as Harlow recovers from a nerve problem that affects his hip and back.
· He started playing instruments at age 5, imitating his father, who was a proficient multi-instrumentalist.· If he starts playing with the keys attached to the back of their belts, they push him away.· One starts playing a harmonica, the others form a circle.· A string orchestra should have started to play an old-fashioned waltz.· The girls just started playing for real two weeks ago.· In one way I regret it, which is a reason why I think I should have started playing professionally later on.· I started playing blackjack, and I was winning all over the place-won eight hundred on one hand.
· The better you get, the more you want to play.· What Ullman wants is to play every character in her imagination, at great personal sacrifice.· But von Steinholz wanted to play a waiting game and see where the trail led him.· Like I said, I always wanted to play here.· You get the feeling that if he wants to play the hard-assed producer, he can.· By junior high, she knew she wanted to play college ball.· You obviously have an interest in the world about you and want to play a part in preserving it.· The sources have said Johnston definitely needs surgery if he wants to play football again.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► play to your strengths► play a hose/light on something► play happy families► play somebody along► What is somebody playing at?► play off somebody/something► play something ↔ up► play (somebody) up► play (somebody) upPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► play/keep your cards close to your chest► when the cat’s away (the mice will play)► something is child’s play► play cupid► play Cupid (to someone)► fair play to somebody► play to the gallery► act/play the goat► a level playing field► level the playing field► somebody’s memory is playing tricks on them► play/star/appear etc opposite somebody► turnabout is fair play► two can play at that game► well done!/well played!► all work and no play (makes Jack a dull boy)
- He had time for his garden, time to talk to his Stratford friends, time to play with his granddaughter Elizabeth.
- Lennie knows he hasn't any time to play with if Boro are to stay in the big time.
- Then it's time to play with the topper dinghies!
- Play and Friendship Dolphins of all ages are frequently seen playing with each other.
- Back with the dancers, Humphreys peeled off all his clothes, started playing with himself and finally urinated on the dance-floor.
- But why shouldn't feminists play with language for political ends?
- Children learn vocabulary from talking, reading, writing, and from playing with words.
- Recognising this, some feminists have used the alternative strategy of deliberately playing with words rather than attempting straightforwardly to redefine them.
- Rhymesters, poets, writers, and jokers of all kinds - and their audiences - have always loved playing with words.
- She was given to playing with words in that way.
- Young children play with language, trying out sounds before they start experimenting with words.
- As a child she preferred playing games with boys to dressing up dolls.
- But Symington and the Legislature are simply playing games here.
- Don't waste time by playing games.
- I don't play games at all!
- If they want to play games with their parachutes, then that is their affair.
- Just going out to resupply some patrols on a secure road was so bland that we played games to make it interesting.
- The Dauphin was showing Henry that he was just a stupid kid who should still be playing games.
- They can only create challenges for themselves, play games within the games.
- As he has no political party that can provide him with practical support, he is forced to play it by ear.
- At 2, he played the piano by ear.
- But the government is having to play it by ear.
- He heard jazz records at home when very young and played piano by ear.
- So each played it by ear, with resulting policy shifts that often appeared to be not only sudden but incomprehensible.
- Well, she would play it by ear.
- He had always played tricks on her.
- Her brain had to be playing tricks on her.
- In one of them, a man named Wakefield decides to play a joke on his wife.
- It allowed me to detect instances when time played tricks on the memory of some of the respondents.
- Jack felt edgy but convinced himself that his nerves were playing tricks on him.
- Somewhat perturbed, Ted flung the door open still believing that the platelayers were playing tricks on him.
- They delight in playing tricks on mortals, though they will cease to give trouble if politely requested to do so.
- Yes, fate was playing tricks on me.
- Diillon won't get promoted if he's not willing to play the game.
- He thought he was playing the game again.
- I know how to play the game myself.
- Just like playing the game itself, it seems.
- Last year three hundred and sixty pupils were injured from three thousand schools who regularly play the game.
- Most manufacturers have played the game.
- Until that point we were really just playing the game.
- We assume to start with that the weighted patterns provide a rough guide to playing the game.
- While online, the user could play the game, which would be stored in short-term memory.
- It will give the various groups and Tory Members who seek to play the race card the opportunity to do so.
- Mugabe now plays the race card.
- Oh, no - she knew how to play her cards right.
- The domino effect can work for us as well as against us if we play our cards right.
- This could all turn out for the best if he played his cards right.
- Roslin, known for playing his cards close to his vest, declined to comment.
- And what good you, you silly fool, playing into my hands like this?
- It plays into the hands of the opposition.
- It would be playing into his hands to react to his deliberate teasing.
- Such action, I believed - and still believe - would have played into the hands of my enemies.
- This, the futures industry frets, would play into the hands of Rep.
- We should be careful not to play into the hands of murderers.
- Whatever he did would play into the hands of Isambard, whose traps were always dual, and could not be evaded.
- Stop playing for time and give us an answer.
- The rebel's current ceasefire doesn't amount to much more than playing for time.
- The U.S. strategy over the past weeks has been to play for time.
- Edmond Herv is a close friend and he tells me that sometimes you have to play for time to solve a problem.
- He decides, literally, to play for time and makes a debut at Nero's banquet that evening.
- Henry's only plan at this moment was to play for time.
- Mr Kasyanov seems now to be playing for time, hoping to get through January without ferocious clashes with creditors.
- The confused evidence suggests they are acting on their own initiative, not on directives from East Berlin to play for time.
- The government is playing for time.
- The governments, nervous, are playing for time.
- Truman played for time by appointing a brains trust of three to advise him.
- He had always played tricks on her.
- He knew, too, that his head had been aching and that his mind was capable of playing tricks upon him.
- Her brain had to be playing tricks on her.
- It allowed me to detect instances when time played tricks on the memory of some of the respondents.
- Jack felt edgy but convinced himself that his nerves were playing tricks on him.
- Somewhat perturbed, Ted flung the door open still believing that the platelayers were playing tricks on him.
- They delight in playing tricks on mortals, though they will cease to give trouble if politely requested to do so.
- Yes, fate was playing tricks on me.
- And this is why many growers are choosing to let their grain merchants play the markets for them.
- For example: Do Social Security recipients want government playing the market?
- The first swap was in December 1983 but the council had not begun to play the market in earnest until late 1987.
- The reverse, Adibi said, is true for those whose income is too low to play the market.
- Accountants know how to play the tax system.
- He was never more than a B-movie actor, playing second fiddle to actors like Errol Flynn.
- But putts and drives will play second fiddle to schmoozing when top sports celebrities take center stage at the golf club.
- Even the lyrics tend to play second fiddle and are generally added after the main melody has been composed.
- He had been a reluctant ally and may well have resented playing second fiddle to his younger brother.
- Mr Pozsgay was simply fed up with playing second fiddle, a characteristic that was to re-emerge later.
- She might also have simply got tired of playing second fiddle to the Prince's pastimes.
- So often he has played second fiddle to Wright and notched only nine goals last season to his partner's 30.
- The locals were not satisfied playing second fiddle to Los Angeles.
- Throughout her married life she had to play second fiddle to the interests of her husband.
- You should call her again - I think she's just playing hard to get.
- And they may not just be playing hard to get.
- I am not going to suggest that you play hard to get.
- If it was Viola, she was obviously playing hard to get.
- It had nothing to do with teasing or playing hard to get.
- A boy playing hooky in Texas is not a criminal who is put away for study.
- Abraham and MacGregor begin tasting that delicious sense of playing hooky from life, just like two big, naughty kids.
- Maricela Roman will never forget the day her own 4-year-old ratted on her when she tried to play hooky.
- Dating the boss's daughter is playing with fire.
- Failure to stick to the safety rules is simply playing with fire.
- These men are criminals. If you get involved with them, you'll be playing with fire.
- Charity stunt team warned ... you're playing with fire.
- Manchester United continue to play with fire, losing 2-1 against Anderlecht.
- Roy Alon who appeared in many of the James Bond films said the team were playing with fire.
- She was playing with fire, in Lydia's opinion.
- Sir Hugo advises Deronda not to play with fire.
- So, your employer is playing with fire.
- The mask made him seem menacing, and she suddenly had the sensation that with Lucenzo she was playing with fire.
- With Emma he had played with fire and narrowly escaped burning.
- Better chance to play the field.
- He gave up playing the field and married a year ago, to a sinewy woman called Cheryl Berkoff.
- Perhaps because he plays the field.
- So she had played the field, enjoying male company without getting in too deep or too seriously.
- And there is his willingness to play fast and loose with the facts.
- Besides, it is playing fast and loose with the statistics to take 1981 as the baseline for the Government's claims.
- In what follows, I shall play fast and loose with these words and the subtle distinctions between them.
- They probably see it as a place where government plays fast and loose with tax dollars.
- To say that the Wattersons had played fast and loose with their investors' capital was an understatement.
- Although the budget committees guide Congress's actions on spending, every committee plays a role.
- Hart clearly played a role in the decision to change admission standards.
- Men now play a larger part in looking after their children.
- Our goal is to make sure everyone plays a part and shares in the credit.
- Schneider played a key role in getting the organization started.
- The most effective learning occurs when the child is allowed to play a more active role in the learning process.
- The Secretary of State played a leading role in the government's successful foreign policy.
- Together with the police everyone can play a part in improving the security of their neighborhood.
- But big-city gangsters also play a part.
- By speaking out about envy between women, comedy can play a part in helping us to heal it in ourselves.
- He was six now and understood that I had played a role in his parents separation.
- Luck has to play a part in it.
- Sure, the Pentium chip plays a part, but other components provide the big difference.
- The New Man rejects traditional roles of parenthood and likes to play a part in decision-making.
- The researchers said more investigation was needed into whether vaccinations or pesticides played a part.
- Therefore, both over-confidence and under-confidence may play a part in creating an environment in which accidents happen more readily.
- He has no one to play ball with and tosses his ball against the wall in a most despondent fashion.
- It seemed clear to us that we would always have the time to play ball and get better as we went along.
- It was a timeless scene: a brick house, a mown meadow, a man and his boy playing ball.
- She played ball, she had difficulty with spelling, and she wanted to be a doctor when she grew up.
- The editor would have doubled it, if you'd played ball with me.
- There is a simple, inexpensive solution for those who refuse to play ball with the system.
- When they break a window playing ball or lose something that belongs to a friend, they should make amends.
- He took a beating today but he played his butt off.
- I had to give the ball up, and then I had work my butt off to get it back.
- I work my butt off for you, while that restaurant is doing worse and worse.
- I worked my butt off in basketball and stayed on the varsity-in fact, did well.
- In short, I worked my butt off.
- Meanwhile, Inspiral Carpets went in at grass roots level and worked their butts off in the clubs.
- You could have worked your butt off helping a rep and you finally got the rep doing everything right.
- If you play your cards right, you might get them to reduce the price.
- Oh, no - she knew how to play her cards right.
- The domino effect can work for us as well as against us if we play our cards right.
- This could all turn out for the best if he played his cards right.
- For the rest of the hunting season, the saboteurs will play a cat and mouse game with the huntsmen.
- They played cat and mouse with the Bay, now scrambling for the outside, now sneaking back in.
- Traci insists that she is going to play it cool with Brad.
- Plus, playing it cool ... the dark secrets of an orchid grower And, who said Robins could sing?
- Rather than rushing into print in Nature, however, Cantor played it cool and cautious.
- She was trying to play it cool.
- The band had wanted a major deal for at least two years previously, but were determined to play it cool.
- Tod's playing it cool, of course, as always.
- I hate playing basketball with Bill - he always plays dirty.
- Warren was willing to play dirty in order to get the job.
- As he has no political party that can provide him with practical support, he is forced to play it by ear.
- At 2, he played the piano by ear.
- But the government is having to play it by ear.
- He heard jazz records at home when very young and played piano by ear.
- So each played it by ear, with resulting policy shifts that often appeared to be not only sudden but incomprehensible.
- Well, she would play it by ear.
- A mystery novel should play fair with the reader, providing all the clues necessary to solve the crime.
- In international trade, very few countries play fair.
- The film company says that it played fair in all its contract dealings with the actors' unions.
- Bates, however, decided yesterday to play fair and own up about his mistress.
- But ideally they should play fair and put their children's interests first.
- But Wilson played fair - she did not encourage him.
- I trust they play fair, but who knows?
- Most also believe it is up to the government to ensure businesses do play fair.
- No one who witnessed these debates has ever suggested that Lewis played fair.
- Yet the private interests themselves were hardly playing fair.
- After that, they played fetch with a stick Master found.
- Don't play the fool with me. You know why I moved away.
- But the trouble with the picture is that it does absolutely nothing with its various prognostications except play the fool with them.
- Dominic and Lee had been playing the fool as only young men can.
- Don't go acting the fool, Carl.
- He acted the fool, losing at first to whet their appetites, but in an hour emptied his three victims' purses.
- He likes me to play the fool.
- In class he never played the fool, never challenged the teacher.
- Narouz had been angry, first with the girl for playing the fool and then with the eunuch for not finding her.
- Those on the path of mastery are willing to take chances, play the fool...
- And, even then, Morris played footsie with prominent Republicans, such as Sen.
- But who will otherwise leave her undisturbed to play footsie with sweet Riva under the very nose of the current ben Issachar.
- Fed up with playing footsie with your missus?
- How to turn a tightly compressed event into a full-length book?
- Many taxpayers try to play games on their tax returns.
- We want an agreement. We're not interested in playing games.
- At this Internet chess site, dozens of people around the world are playing games at the same time.
- Do we suspect life is a chessboard even though we know that you don't play games?
- He plays no budgetary games nor does he tolerate finance people playing games with him.
- If they want to play games with their parachutes, then that is their affair.
- Surveys show millions of workers use their office computers to play games, surf the Net or worse.
- That's just me playing games.
- The people played games to pass the time during the winter too.
- It is clear that the company is ready to play hardball with the unions.
- The Deputy Prime Minister told reporters that Canada was ready to play hardball with the US.
- Toymaker Mattel is getting ready to play hardball in an effort to persuade Hasbro to reconsider a merger.
- PITTSBURGHThe Steelers and Pirates found out voters can play hardball, too.
- This is playing hardball, but it is hardball of a sort familiar in these dealings.
- Well, we can play hardball, too.
- Ace's proximity was playing hell with her hormones.
- Strangulation was all very well, but it played merry hell with the eyeballs.
- A boy playing hooky in Texas is not a criminal who is put away for study.
- Abraham and MacGregor begin tasting that delicious sense of playing hooky from life, just like two big, naughty kids.
- Maricela Roman will never forget the day her own 4-year-old ratted on her when she tried to play hooky.
- Herrera, personally, took no part in this mild form of political persecution.
- Johnny played no part in this world.
- Of course, Laura took no part in such a major business decision; the empire builder was Bernard.
- Schuster insists his political connections played no part in the choice.
- The mostly white jurors who actually sat in the jury room, insisted that race had played no part in their decision.
- The very act of imagining Gods exempt from suffering ensures that humans take no part in the deity.
- They are evaluated and yet play no part in defining the criteria, determining the methods, or controlling the process.
- This is not to say that economic imperatives play no part in penal developments.
- He was to go on to play a major part in the success of the new government.
- It is not yet known if weather conditions played a part in the accident.
- Many cases of breast cancer have genetic causes, but environmental substances may also play a part.
- Of course, the pay played some part in my decision to take the job.
- The genius of the two designers has played a big part in the company's recent success.
- They've certainly worked very hard, but luck has played a part too.
- But big-city gangsters also play a part.
- Host factors such as transit time may also play a part.
- Organisation during the visit can play a part.
- Therefore all immunosuppressive factors can play a part.
- This is just an actor playing a part.
- We are delighted that the Victoria Art Gallery can play a part in this.
- With regard to charging at the door, again fear must play part in her behaviour.
- Yet here he was expecting to play a part that would make her hair stand on end.
- All of us have a part to play.
- But literacy and the written word do have a part to play.
- However, the latter have a part to play from the period of nursery rhymes and finger and other basic-activity games.
- Look and Say does have a part to play.
- Might farm schools have a part to play?
- Models can be useful and have a part to play, if built on a sound theoretical basis.
- Now I think that the woman lawyer has been foregrounded as if the law actually does have a part to play.
- Now, many of the other items are also sound and have a part to play but they could be improved upon.
- Glover eased back in his chair and played possum.
- And the Sabres were determined to play rough.
- I can't comment on the state of play in the negotiations.
- Depends, of course, on the state of play.
- Gerry, what's the state of play?
- Let me remind you of the state of play at that time.
- That's the state of play in Milton Keynes where Labour lost four seats, and control.
- Billy was caught playing truant and has been given extra homework for a month.#
- He'd played hooky again and ridden the train out to Brooklyn.#
- He thought of hitting Guy, saw himself doing it, like some violent film, slow-motion.
- His nose was broken in two places by a player he had sent off for violent play.
- They have a violent film then they have a violent advert.
- Although most people were relieved that the waiting game was over, the first days and nights were nerve-racking.
- But von Steinholz wanted to play a waiting game and see where the trail led him.
- Friday, and volunteer fireman Dave Papenfuss said it was purely a waiting game after that.
- It was a waiting game now, she thought anxiously.
- Lucy only wished that she could have more of the patience required to play a waiting game.
- She had played a waiting game with great skill in the 1540s.
- The Danley strike, like many others, was a waiting game and a numbers game.
- Unfortunately, with work inhibition, the waiting game only ensures future problems.
WORD FAMILYnounplayinterplayreplayplayerplayfulnessverbplayoutplayreplayadjectiveplayfulplayableadverbplayfully
1children [intransitive, transitive] when children play, they do things that they enjoy, often with other people or with toys: Kids were playing and chasing each other.play catch/house/tag/school etc Outside, the children were playing cowboys and Indians.play with Did you like to play with dolls when you were little? Parents need to spend time just playing with their children.2sports/games a)[intransitive, transitive] to take part or compete in a game or sport: Karen began playing basketball when she was six. If you feel any pain, you shouldn’t play. Men were sitting in the park, playing cards.play against Bristol will play against Coventry next week. She’s playing Helen Evans in the semi-final (=playing against her).play for Moxon played for England in ten test matches. b)[transitive] to use a particular piece, card, person etc in a game or sport: Harrison played a ten of spades. The Regents played Eddie at center (=used him as a player in that position) in the game against Arizona. c)[intransitive, transitive] to take a particular position on a team: Garvey played first base for the Dodgers. d)[transitive] to hit a ball in a particular way or to a particular place in a game or sport: She played the ball low, just over the net.3music [intransitive, transitive] to perform a piece of music on a musical instrument: He’s learning to play the piano. She played a Bach prelude. Haden has played with many jazz greats. A small orchestra was playing.4radio/cd etc [intransitive, transitive] if a radio, CD etc plays, or if you play it, it produces sound, especially music: The bedside radio played softly.play a record/CD/tape etc DJs playing the latest house and techno tracks5theatre/film a)[transitive] to perform the actions and say the words of a particular character in a theatre performance, film etc: Streep plays a shy, nervous woman.play a role/part/character etc Playing a character so different from herself was a challenge. b)[intransitive] if a play or film is playing at a particular theatre, it is being performed or shown there: ‘Macbeth’ is playing at the Theatre Royal in York. c)[transitive] if actors play a theatre, they perform there in a play6play a part/role to have an effect or influence on somethingplay in A good diet and fitness play a large part in helping people live longer.7play ball a)to throw, kick, hit, or catch a ball as a game or activity: Jim and Karl were playing ball in the backyard. b)to do what someone wants you to do: So far, the company has refused to play ball, preferring to remain independent.8pretend [linking verb] to behave as if you are a particular kind of person or have a particular feeling or quality, even though it is not true: the accusation that scientists are playing God Some snakes fool predators by playing dead. ‘What do you mean?’ ‘Don’t play dumb (=pretend you do not know something).' Don’t play the innocent (=pretend you do not know about something) with me – we both know what happened.play the idiot/the teacher etc Susan felt she had to play the good wife. He played the fool (=behaved in a silly way) at school instead of working.9behave [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to behave in a particular way in a situation, in order to achieve the result or effect that you want: How do you want to play this meeting? Play it safe (=avoid risks) and make sure the eggs are thoroughly cooked.play it carefully/cool etc If you like him, play it cool, or you might scare him off.10play games to hide your real feelings or wishes in order to achieve something in a clever or secret way – used to show disapproval: Stop playing games, Luke, and tell me what you want.11play something by ear a)to decide what to do according to the way a situation develops, without making plans before that time: We’ll see what the weather’s like and play it by ear. b)if someone can play a musical instrument by ear, they can play a tune without looking at written music12play a joke/trick/prank on somebody to do something to someone as a joke or trick13play the game a)to do things in the way you are expected to do them or in a way that is usual in a particular situation: If you want a promotion, you’ve got to play the game. b) British English to behave in a fair and honest way14play the race/nationalist/environmentalist etc card to use a particular subject in politics in order to gain an advantage: a leader who is skilfully playing the nationalist card to keep power15play your cards right to say or do things in a situation in such a way that you gain as much as possible from it: Who knows? If you play your cards right, maybe he’ll marry you.16play your cards close to your chest to keep secret what you are doing in a situation17play into somebody’s hands to do what someone you are competing with wants you to do, without realizing it: If we respond with violence, we’ll be playing into their hands, giving them an excuse for a fight.18play for time to try to delay something so that you have more time to prepare for it or prevent it from happening: The rebels may be playing for time while they try to get more weapons.19play tricks (on you) if your mind, memory, sight etc plays tricks on you, you feel confused and not sure about what is happening: It happened a long time ago, and my memory might be playing tricks on me.20play the market to risk money on the stock market as a way of trying to earn more money21play the system to use the rules of a system in a clever way, to gain advantage for yourself: Accountants know how to play the tax system.22play second fiddle (to somebody) (also play second banana informal) to be in a lower position or rank than someone else23play hard to get to pretend that you are not sexually interested in someone so that they will become more interested in you24smile [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] written if a smile plays about someone’s lips, they smile slightly25play hooky American English, play truant British English to stay away from school without permission26play with fire to do something that could have a very dangerous or harmful result: Dating the boss’s daughter is playing with fire.27play to your strengths to do what you are able to do well, rather than trying to do other things: It is up to us to play to our strengths and try to control the game.28light [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] written if light plays on something, it shines on it and moves on it: the sunlight playing on the water29water [intransitive] written if a fountain plays, water comes from it30play a hose/light on something to point a hose or light towards something so that water or light goes onto it31play the field to have sexual relationships with a lot of different people32play fast and loose with something to not be careful about what you do, especially by not obeying the law or a rule: They played fast and loose with investors’ money.33play happy families British English to spend time with your family, doing normal things, especially so that your family appears to be happy when it is notplay around (also play about British English) phrasal verb1to have a sexual relationship with someone who is not your usual partnerplay around with Wasn’t she playing around with another man? It was years before I realized he’d been playing around.2to try doing something in different ways, to see what would be best, especially when this is funplay around with Play around with the ingredients if you like.3to behave in a silly way or waste time, when you should be doing something more serious SYN fool around: When the teacher wasn’t looking, we used to play about a lot.play around with something (also play about with something British English) phrasal verb to keep moving or making changes to something in your hands SYN fiddle with: Will you stop playing around with the remote control!play along phrasal verb1to pretend to agree to do what someone wants, in order to avoid annoying them or to get an advantage: She felt she had to play along or risk losing her job.2play somebody along British English to tell someone something that is not true because you need their help in some wayplay at something phrasal verb1What is somebody playing at? British English spoken used when you do not understand what someone is doing or why they are doing it, and you are surprised or annoyed: What do you think you’re playing at?2if you play at doing something, you do not do it properly or seriouslyplay at doing something He’s still playing at being an artist.3 British English if children play at doctors, soldiers etc, they pretend to be doctors, soldiers etcplay at being something a 14-year-old playing at being a grown womanplay something ↔ back phrasal verb to play something that has been recorded on a machine so that you can listen to it or watch it: He played back his answering machine messages.play something ↔ down phrasal verb to try to make something seem less important or less likely than it really is: Management has been playing down the possibility of job losses.play down the importance/seriousness/significance of something The White House spokeswoman sought to play down the significance of the event.play off phrasal verb1British English if people or teams play off, they play the last game in a sports competition, in order to decide who is the winner: The top two teams will play off at Twickenham for the county title.2play off somebody/something American English to deliberately use a fact, action, idea etc in order to make what you are doing better or to get an advantage: The two musicians played off each other in a piece of inspired improvisation.play somebody off against somebody phrasal verb to encourage one person or group to compete or argue with another, in order to get some advantage for yourself: The house seller may try to play one buyer off against another, to raise the price.play on/upon something phrasal verb to use a feeling, fact, or idea in order to get what you want, often in an unfair way: The ad plays on our emotions, showing a doctor holding a newborn baby.play something ↔ out phrasal verb1if an event or situation is played out or plays itself out, it happens: It will be interesting to see how the election plays itself out.2if people play out their dreams, feelings etc, they express them by pretending that a particular situation is really happening: The weekend gives you a chance to play out your fantasies.play up phrasal verb1play something ↔ up to emphasize something, sometimes making it seem more important than it really is: Play up your strongest arguments in the opening paragraph.2play (somebody) up British English informal if children play up, they behave badly: Jordan’s been playing up in school. I hope the kids don’t play you up.3play (somebody) up British English informal to hurt you or cause problems for you: My knee’s been playing me up this week. The car’s playing up again.play up to somebody phrasal verb to behave in a very polite or kind way to someone because you want something from them: Connie always plays up to her parents when she wants money.play with somebody/something phrasal verb1to keep touching something or moving it: Stop playing with the light switch!2to try doing something in different ways to decide what works best: Play with the design onscreen, moving text and pictures until you get a pleasing arrangement.3to consider an idea or possibility, but not always very seriously SYN toy with: After university, I played with the idea of teaching English in China.4 money/time/space etc to play with money, time etc that is available to be used: The budget is very tight, so there isn’t much money to play with.5play with yourself to touch your own sex organs for pleasure SYN masturbate6play with words/language to use words in a clever or amusing wayplay1 verbplay2 noun
playplay2 ●●● S1 W2 noun WORD ORIGINplay2
Origin:
Old English plegaEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "Pygmalion" was one of Shaw's most famous plays.
- On the next play, Ervin caught a forty-yard pass to score a touchdown.
- Parents need to understand the importance of play in a child's development.
- The play is about two men on trial for murder.
- There's a huge difference in the level of play from college to the NFL.
- There needs to be a little more play in the fan belt for it to work right.
- After Troilus and Cressida almost any play is a relief, even the brothel scenes of Pericles.
- Episodes are based on dialogues, role play and cloze exercises, with the emphasis on building awareness of language appropriateness.
- He chose to do this by re-writing the scene in the form of a script for a play.
- His doubts only increased when he performed another job, midway to finally making up his mind about the Bolt play.
- Make enough plays like that and nobody in the clubhouse will care if you ever say a word.
- These characters can be used to start play very quickly, saving time for eager players!
- This brings into play an area of training known as free sparring.
Longman Language Activatorto be very easy to do
spoken informal · If you can learn Japanese, learning French should be a piece of cake.· Don't worry about the exam. It'll be a cinch!be a cinch to learn/drive/use etc · My new car's a cinch to drive, compared to the old one.
British informal /be a snap/a breeze American informal · "You passed your driving test?'' "Yes -- it was a doddle!''· Managing a team of businessmen is a snap compared to a team of twelve-year-olds.a doddle/snap/breeze to do something · It's a snap to make this sauce if you have a few basic ingredients in the cupboard.
use this when saying that something is surprisingly easy for someone to do, or that something is very easy compared to something else: · Persuading people to give away their money is child's play when you know how.· Life today is child's play compared to how it was 100 years ago.
spoken say this when it is easy for you to do something, even though other people think it is difficult: · "Oh, great! You've fixed the washing machine." "Yeah, there was nothing to it, really."
use this to say that something is so easy that everyone could do it: · Anyone can learn to cook.· I don't know why you think you're so clever -- anyone can do that.· Politicians insist that there are plenty of jobs and that anyone can get one if they really try.
someone who is a pushover is very easy to defeat, persuade etc: · The kids all think their new English teacher's a real pushover.be no pushover (=not be easy to defeat, persuade etc): · Colonel Moore was no pushover. He wouldn't let anyone tell him what to do.
spoken extremely easy: · Sally smiled to herself. It was easy to attract men. Like taking candy from a baby.
WORD SETSadapt, verbamphitheatre, nounapron, nounaside, nounaudition, nounaudition, verbauditorium, nounbackcloth, nounbackdrop, nounbackstage, adjectivebalcony, nounbiz, nounbox, nounbox office, nounburlesque, nounchorus, nounchorus girl, nouncircle, nouncomedy of manners, nouncommand performance, nouncurtain, nouncurtain call, noundame, noundinner theater, noundirect, verbdirector, noundouble bill, noundownstage, adverbdramatic, adjectivedramatic irony, noundramatis personae, noundramatist, noundress circle, noundresser, noundressing room, noundress rehearsal, noundumb show, nounentertainment, nounexeunt, verbexit, verbfarce, nounflashback, nounfootlights, nounfringe theatre, noungreasepaint, nounharlequin, nounhouse, nounimage, nounimagery, nounimprovise, verbinterlude, nounkitchen sink drama, nounlead, nounluvvie, nounmake-up, nounmarquee, nounmezzanine, nounmime, verbmiscast, verbmummer, nounmusical, nounmusic hall, nounmystery play, nounnumber, nounoffstage, adverbon, adjectiveopera, nounopera house, nounoperetta, nounorchestra pit, nounoveract, verbpantomime, nounplay, verbplay, nounplaybill, nounplayer, nounplaygoer, nounplayhouse, nounplaywright, nounportray, verbprincipal boy, nounprompter, nounprop, nounproscenium, nounpuppeteer, nounrendering, nounrendition, nounrep, nounrepertory, nounrevival, nounrevue, nounrole, nounrun, verbrun, nounrunway, nounsafety curtain, nounscene, nounscenery, nounseating, nounset, nounsoliloquy, nounspeech, nounstage, nounstage, verbstage direction, nounstage door, nounstage fright, nounstagehand, nounstage manager, nounstage name, nounstagestruck, adjectivestage whisper, nounstaging, nounstock, nounstock company, nountheatre, nountheatregoer, nountheatre-in-the-round, nountheatrical, adjectivetheatricals, nounthespian, nountitle role, nountragedian, nountragedy, nountragic, adjectivetragicomedy, noununderstudy, noununderstudy, verbupstage, adverbvaudeville, nounwalk-on, nounwardrobe, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYverbs She has already appeared in a number of films. He would play devil’s advocate with anyone. Jones played the drums in an all-girl band. ‘What is it?’ I asked, playing dumb (=pretending to be stupid). rules designed to ensure fair play This kind of behavior violates many people’s sense of fair play. The police said they had no reason to suspect foul play. Detectives have not ruled out foul play. Billy Graham is a speaker who can be sure of playing to a full house. The band are doing a gig in Sheffield on Nov 12. Rain has continued to play havoc with sporting events. He’s obviously playing head games with you. The army played a leading role in organizing the attempted coup. The band is playing live in Birmingham tonight. As soon as she graduated from college, she started to play the market (=risk money on the stock market). He’s obviously playing mind games with you. Can you play poker? We went to the pub and played pool. Mandela played a prominent role in the early years of the ANC. a 20-minute puppet show I prefer playing singles. They meet up every Friday to play snooker. We’re playing for high stakes here. I hope, for your sake, you’re playing it straight (=being honest). The position of the body led the police to suspect murder. kids playing on the swings Annie was playing happily with her toys. The girls were playing tricks on their teacher. After walking for hours in the hot sun, his mind began playing tricks on him. But then he decided to play his trump card (=use his advantage). The band will play (=perform at) as many venues as possible.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· So far, he has written three plays.
· While we were in New York, we went to a play.
· I’ve never seen the play.
· Some of the audience were talking instead of watching the play.
· The play was performed by Brighton Youth Theatre.
· She acted in many plays on the London stage.
(=be performing in a play)· Michael is currently in a play on Broadway.
spoken (=arrange it or perform in it)· Bob asked if I would do this play, and I agreed.
(=arrange for it to be performed)· The school puts on a Nativity play every Christmas.
(=tell the actors what to do)· The play is directed by Paulette Randall.
(=arrange its performance)
(=practise it)· We spent weeks rehearsing the play.
(=its performances start)· The play opens in San Francisco on Wednesday for a three-week run.
(=it continues to be performed)· The play ran for five months.
(=its performances stop)· The play closes on Sunday, so don’t miss it!
ADJECTIVES/NOUN + play (=a play in a theatre)· I occasionally write reviews of local stage plays.
(=a play written to be performed on TV/radio)· This horror story would make a good radio play.
· I got a small part in the school play.
British English (=a play about the birth of Jesus, performed by children at Christmas)· She was chosen to play Mary in the nativity play.
COMMON ERRORS ► Don’t say ‘give a play’. Say put on a play.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES· Do you play an active role in your community?
She has already appeared in a number of films. (=a place for children to play)· There’s a nice play area for the kiddies.
· The band played to huge audiences in Mexico City and Buenos Aires.
(=be a musician or singer in a band)· Budd played in a rock band.
· The band is performing live on Saturday night.
· Shall I play my new CD?
· I wanted to play the character of Danny.
· Do you want to play chess?
· I'm playing in a jazz concert on Saturday night.
· Do you play cricket?
· Parents play a crucial role in preparing their children for adult life.
He would play devil’s advocate with anyone. Jones played the drums in an all-girl band. ‘What is it?’ I asked, playing dumb (=pretending to be stupid).· Antibiotics play an essential role in controlling infection.
rules designed to ensure fair play This kind of behavior violates many people’s sense of fair play. American English (=treat one person better than others) The manager insisted he doesn’t play favorites.
The manager insisted he doesn’t play favorites. (=perform at a festival)· Sting is scheduled to appear at a festival in Amsterdam next month.
· The boys are playing football in the garden.
The police said they had no reason to suspect foul play. Detectives have not ruled out foul play. Billy Graham is a speaker who can be sure of playing to a full house.· They explained how to play the game.
British English (=played to decide the winner after a previous game ended with both teams having equal points)
The band are doing a gig in Sheffield on Nov 12.· I play golf at the weekends.
Rain has continued to play havoc with sporting events. He’s obviously playing head games with you. (=provide the place, food etc for a special meeting or event) The gallery is playing host to an exhibition of sculpture.
The gallery is playing host to an exhibition of sculpture.· Can you play a musical instrument?
(also learn an instrument)· All students at the school have the opportunity to learn an instrument.
(=trick someone to make people laugh)· John’s always playing jokes on his brothers.
The army played a leading role in organizing the attempted coup. The band is playing live in Birmingham tonight. As soon as she graduated from college, she started to play the market (=risk money on the stock market).· We played the match in heavy rain.
· At this point, the flute begins to play the melody.
He’s obviously playing mind games with you.· A small band was playing jazz music.
· She plays the part of an ageing beauty queen.
· Can you play the piano?
· We all sang while Mum played something on the piano.
Can you play poker? We went to the pub and played pool. Mandela played a prominent role in the early years of the ANC. a 20-minute puppet show· He rarely plays any sports.
· He played a prominent role in the company’s success.
· She was the first actress to play the role of Peter Pan.
(=do what is expected and agreed)· The system works well enough — as long as everyone plays by the rules.
I prefer playing singles. They meet up every Friday to play snooker. (=with singing and musical instruments)· The band played a lot of their old songs.
· My ambition was to play sport at the highest level.
We’re playing for high stakes here. I hope, for your sake, you’re playing it straight (=being honest). (=use people's qualities and abilities in the best way in order to achieve something)· Both parties are playing to their strengths.
The position of the body led the police to suspect murder. kids playing on the swings (=make someone feel sorry for you in order to get an advantage for yourself)· If that doesn’t work, she knows how to play on his sympathy.
· He wants to play for a better team.
· One reason for the 49ers’ success is that they play as a team.
Annie was playing happily with her toys. The girls were playing tricks on their teacher. After walking for hours in the hot sun, his mind began playing tricks on him. But then he decided to play his trump card (=use his advantage).· He played a tune on the piano.
The band will play (=perform at) as many venues as possible.· Mills makes big plays and is a very good runner after the catch.· Consequently, our club got a big play from any and all officer personnel on the base camp.· Except for one breakdown, San Diego refused to give up big plays, the Raiders' trademark so far.· He kept telling Johnson he was going to make big plays and score the winning shot.· He has made big plays at very important times.· The strategy stole the big play away from the Raiders, turning them into a ball-control team.
· Only in a secure Britain can we break down barriers and give people a real sense of fair play.· There are still people out there who teach and practice fair play, sportsmanship, and competition.· As a nation we pride ourselves on our strong sense of sportsmanship and fair play.· Aladdin was very good-natured and had a sense of fair play.· It was fair play, wasn't it, my lad, absolutely fair play.· In fact, the Globe favored public ownership but believed in fair play for the private interests.
· The Minister made great play of environmental issues.· He had no idea what he was doing or why, but he made a great play anyway.· Sometimes, you make the great plays.· Spittals made great play of tapping the microphones and checking that they worked before he introduced the superintendent.
· They had just one minute to pull us into a new reality and a new play.· But he became as well known for his work in new plays as for his Shakespeare.· She has no strategy to share, no new plays to run.· She had little or no reputation for doing the new plays then in vogue.· Well before it closed, Alvin was involved in rehearsals for two new plays.· The King's Men had to have a new play for a special day like that.· But the jitters and anxieties usually associated with a starring role in a new play are nowhere to be seen.
NOUN· Outside, there is a pool and children's play area.· Nets encase the play area for safety.· There's Sunsplash centre and the separate Oasis pool, both with shallow play areas.· The Devon Coast Holiday Park enjoys sea views and has a small children's play area.· Farm walks, picnic and play area, barn cafe and shop, teaching room.· Beautiful parkland with avenues and lakes; picnic area; gift shop; woodland play area.
· At his first school, Stockwell Junior School, David dressed up for the first time in a school nativity play.· Recently he went to his children's school nativity play.· Already there are plans to put on nativity plays and join local children at a carol service.· This time he was putting his heart into playing an angel in a Nativity play at the local church.
· It was a power play but it worked.· He has really helped out our power play.· Systems of knowledge, or anything else, are actually a power play, according to deconstructionists.· She didn't need that kind of rich man's power play and didn't appreciate it one bit.· Boston cut the deficit to 3-1 when right wing Sandy Moger scored on the power play for his sixth goal.· A romantic comedy, or power play, is enacted above.· Ray Sheppard scored what proved to be the game-winning goal on the power play at 11: 05 of the third period.
· Discussion should take place regarding the learning methods, i.e. practical work, discussions, role play, tutorials and individual study.· Then role play that scene with others from the group.· We'd done this lots of times, role play, in Soc.· Alter each role play, have group members provide feedback on what the person did well and what aspects need improvement.· Then the role play can be pursued as in any of 1 to 3 above.· Units comprise discussion, reading, role play, writing assignment, vocabulary building, practice in points of grammar.
· From childish disappointment when Anne's parents forget to attend the school play, to the adolescent discoveries in the town park.· So, I was enrolled in the Royal Academy, and got the lead in the school play.· The three wise men became three wise people in the school play - one of them a woman.· I did a drugs awareness sketch and got a small part in the school play which was Twelfth Night.· Once a year I attended the school play.· Introductions and commentaries by children on videos of school plays are also very effective.· If there is a school play try to appropriate as many costumes as possible at the end of it.· Rugby was played vigorously, music flourished, the school plays were of high quality.
VERB· In so doing, this overrides the channel selector, bringing both channels into play at once.· Or could that most newly discovered of all scientific miracles, electricity, be brought into play?· Indeed, it is not surprising that a member of this particular grammatical category should have been brought into play here.· Successive rounds of screening bring into play more criteria until the short list is reached.· Interrelated as these four issues undoubtedly are, they do each bring into play independent considerations.· It may have the means, but be unwilling or unable to bring them into play at a particular time.· Compression of this sort, practised more widely, might succeed in bringing the play over into a new medium.
· But that's easier said than done when financial factors come into play.· Fourth, if speculators bet that the above factors will come into play.· But, in the privacy of the polling booth, cooler and more hard-headed calculations came into play.· Only after that does cost come into play in deciding whom to protect and at what level.· Judicial review may also come into play in the potentially fraught area of contracted-out services.· Mubsan is a legal concept; it comes into play in cases of adultery, where it can increase the penalty.· Here we see Bukharin's concept of equilibrium coming into play.· All of these things have come into play.
· Kramer wondered if she was worth making a play for.· The Sonics, not the Rockets, have made the necessary plays for victory.
· Now, some children are performing plays with very different themes.· By his retirement in 1955 he had performed in over 200 plays.· There was a youth group being set up to perform a play which was about teenage gay men and lesbians and their experiences.· I got involved in that so that by mid-1977 I was performing in a play which was actually saying that I was gay.· If you think your acting is good enough, perform the play for your Pack.· The performed plays, and the acting, were in conscious competition for prizes.· The craftsmen of the local Guilds had been performing a play on the Feast of Corpus Christi for eighty years.
· For the moment, he obviously has more urgent tasks than writing plays.· This beautifully written play is about universal human longing for love and happiness.· Will you write me another play?· He had written a few plays in his early twenties; one of them had been produced off-off Broadway to good reviews.· He's written plays for Radio Four and Channel Four.· Previous studies Hamilton says that whoever wrote the will also wrote the play.· They are probably going to write another play based on my suggestions.· Look, writing for films is different than writing plays.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► play/keep your cards close to your chest► when the cat’s away (the mice will play)► something is child’s play► play cupid► play Cupid (to someone)► fair play to somebody► play to the gallery► act/play the goat► a level playing field► level the playing field► somebody’s memory is playing tricks on them► play/star/appear etc opposite somebody► turnabout is fair play► two can play at that game► well done!/well played!► all work and no play (makes Jack a dull boy)
- I have a wonderful play of light and shade, and the tungsten light gives a very similar effect.
- Make notes as you watch the play of light in various areas as the sun tracks east to west across the sky.
- Kramer wondered if she was worth making a play for.
- Left alone for a few minutes on Vik's birthday, Karen makes a play for Steve.
- Surely only the most decadent of aristocrats would make a play for another woman while his wife was in the same room.
- Kramer wondered if she was worth making a play for.
- Left alone for a few minutes on Vik's birthday, Karen makes a play for Steve.
- Surely only the most decadent of aristocrats would make a play for another woman while his wife was in the same room.
- Courier put only 50 percent of his first serves in play.
- But most of all, children laugh at jokes that are a play on words.
- In this chapter, I hope to show that these distinctions are important and not merely a play on words.
- None the less the play on words is there in the text, and is appropriate.
- Perhaps the best solution is to see the place as a play on words.
- Some scholars believe that Matthew is making a play on words and that the original word was Nezer.
- Such, at least, is the suggestion of that play on words.
- This was a play on words.
- With Abraham's and Sarah's laughter the storyteller is indulging in another play on words.
- He took a beating today but he played his butt off.
- I had to give the ball up, and then I had work my butt off to get it back.
- I work my butt off for you, while that restaurant is doing worse and worse.
- I worked my butt off in basketball and stayed on the varsity-in fact, did well.
- In short, I worked my butt off.
- Meanwhile, Inspiral Carpets went in at grass roots level and worked their butts off in the clubs.
- You could have worked your butt off helping a rep and you finally got the rep doing everything right.
- If you play your cards right, you might get them to reduce the price.
- Oh, no - she knew how to play her cards right.
- The domino effect can work for us as well as against us if we play our cards right.
- This could all turn out for the best if he played his cards right.
- For the rest of the hunting season, the saboteurs will play a cat and mouse game with the huntsmen.
- They played cat and mouse with the Bay, now scrambling for the outside, now sneaking back in.
- Traci insists that she is going to play it cool with Brad.
- Plus, playing it cool ... the dark secrets of an orchid grower And, who said Robins could sing?
- Rather than rushing into print in Nature, however, Cantor played it cool and cautious.
- She was trying to play it cool.
- The band had wanted a major deal for at least two years previously, but were determined to play it cool.
- Tod's playing it cool, of course, as always.
- I hate playing basketball with Bill - he always plays dirty.
- Warren was willing to play dirty in order to get the job.
- As he has no political party that can provide him with practical support, he is forced to play it by ear.
- At 2, he played the piano by ear.
- But the government is having to play it by ear.
- He heard jazz records at home when very young and played piano by ear.
- So each played it by ear, with resulting policy shifts that often appeared to be not only sudden but incomprehensible.
- Well, she would play it by ear.
- A mystery novel should play fair with the reader, providing all the clues necessary to solve the crime.
- In international trade, very few countries play fair.
- The film company says that it played fair in all its contract dealings with the actors' unions.
- Bates, however, decided yesterday to play fair and own up about his mistress.
- But ideally they should play fair and put their children's interests first.
- But Wilson played fair - she did not encourage him.
- I trust they play fair, but who knows?
- Most also believe it is up to the government to ensure businesses do play fair.
- No one who witnessed these debates has ever suggested that Lewis played fair.
- Yet the private interests themselves were hardly playing fair.
- After that, they played fetch with a stick Master found.
- Don't play the fool with me. You know why I moved away.
- But the trouble with the picture is that it does absolutely nothing with its various prognostications except play the fool with them.
- Dominic and Lee had been playing the fool as only young men can.
- Don't go acting the fool, Carl.
- He acted the fool, losing at first to whet their appetites, but in an hour emptied his three victims' purses.
- He likes me to play the fool.
- In class he never played the fool, never challenged the teacher.
- Narouz had been angry, first with the girl for playing the fool and then with the eunuch for not finding her.
- Those on the path of mastery are willing to take chances, play the fool...
- And, even then, Morris played footsie with prominent Republicans, such as Sen.
- But who will otherwise leave her undisturbed to play footsie with sweet Riva under the very nose of the current ben Issachar.
- Fed up with playing footsie with your missus?
- How to turn a tightly compressed event into a full-length book?
- Many taxpayers try to play games on their tax returns.
- We want an agreement. We're not interested in playing games.
- At this Internet chess site, dozens of people around the world are playing games at the same time.
- Do we suspect life is a chessboard even though we know that you don't play games?
- He plays no budgetary games nor does he tolerate finance people playing games with him.
- If they want to play games with their parachutes, then that is their affair.
- Surveys show millions of workers use their office computers to play games, surf the Net or worse.
- That's just me playing games.
- The people played games to pass the time during the winter too.
- It is clear that the company is ready to play hardball with the unions.
- The Deputy Prime Minister told reporters that Canada was ready to play hardball with the US.
- Toymaker Mattel is getting ready to play hardball in an effort to persuade Hasbro to reconsider a merger.
- PITTSBURGHThe Steelers and Pirates found out voters can play hardball, too.
- This is playing hardball, but it is hardball of a sort familiar in these dealings.
- Well, we can play hardball, too.
- Ace's proximity was playing hell with her hormones.
- Strangulation was all very well, but it played merry hell with the eyeballs.
- A boy playing hooky in Texas is not a criminal who is put away for study.
- Abraham and MacGregor begin tasting that delicious sense of playing hooky from life, just like two big, naughty kids.
- Maricela Roman will never forget the day her own 4-year-old ratted on her when she tried to play hooky.
- Herrera, personally, took no part in this mild form of political persecution.
- Johnny played no part in this world.
- Of course, Laura took no part in such a major business decision; the empire builder was Bernard.
- Schuster insists his political connections played no part in the choice.
- The mostly white jurors who actually sat in the jury room, insisted that race had played no part in their decision.
- The very act of imagining Gods exempt from suffering ensures that humans take no part in the deity.
- They are evaluated and yet play no part in defining the criteria, determining the methods, or controlling the process.
- This is not to say that economic imperatives play no part in penal developments.
- He was to go on to play a major part in the success of the new government.
- It is not yet known if weather conditions played a part in the accident.
- Many cases of breast cancer have genetic causes, but environmental substances may also play a part.
- Of course, the pay played some part in my decision to take the job.
- The genius of the two designers has played a big part in the company's recent success.
- They've certainly worked very hard, but luck has played a part too.
- But big-city gangsters also play a part.
- Host factors such as transit time may also play a part.
- Organisation during the visit can play a part.
- Therefore all immunosuppressive factors can play a part.
- This is just an actor playing a part.
- We are delighted that the Victoria Art Gallery can play a part in this.
- With regard to charging at the door, again fear must play part in her behaviour.
- Yet here he was expecting to play a part that would make her hair stand on end.
- All of us have a part to play.
- But literacy and the written word do have a part to play.
- However, the latter have a part to play from the period of nursery rhymes and finger and other basic-activity games.
- Look and Say does have a part to play.
- Might farm schools have a part to play?
- Models can be useful and have a part to play, if built on a sound theoretical basis.
- Now I think that the woman lawyer has been foregrounded as if the law actually does have a part to play.
- Now, many of the other items are also sound and have a part to play but they could be improved upon.
- Glover eased back in his chair and played possum.
- And the Sabres were determined to play rough.
- I can't comment on the state of play in the negotiations.
- Depends, of course, on the state of play.
- Gerry, what's the state of play?
- Let me remind you of the state of play at that time.
- That's the state of play in Milton Keynes where Labour lost four seats, and control.
- Billy was caught playing truant and has been given extra homework for a month.#
- He'd played hooky again and ridden the train out to Brooklyn.#
- He thought of hitting Guy, saw himself doing it, like some violent film, slow-motion.
- His nose was broken in two places by a player he had sent off for violent play.
- They have a violent film then they have a violent advert.
- Although most people were relieved that the waiting game was over, the first days and nights were nerve-racking.
- But von Steinholz wanted to play a waiting game and see where the trail led him.
- Friday, and volunteer fireman Dave Papenfuss said it was purely a waiting game after that.
- It was a waiting game now, she thought anxiously.
- Lucy only wished that she could have more of the patience required to play a waiting game.
- She had played a waiting game with great skill in the 1540s.
- The Danley strike, like many others, was a waiting game and a numbers game.
- Unfortunately, with work inhibition, the waiting game only ensures future problems.
WORD FAMILYnounplayinterplayreplayplayerplayfulnessverbplayoutplayreplayadjectiveplayfulplayableadverbplayfully
1theatre [countable] a story that is written to be performed by actors, especially in a theatre: a play by Chekhov This is a major theme of Miller’s plays.play about Edward Bond’s play about class war2amusement [uncountable] things that people, especially children, do for amusement rather than as work: Play is very important to a child’s development. a play areathrough play The program aims to teach road safety through play.at play the happy shouts of children at play3effect [uncountable] the effect or influence of something: the free play of competition in the building industryat play There are a number of factors at play (=having an effect) in the current recession.bring/put something into play (=use something or make it have an effect) A complex system of muscles is brought into play for each body movement. Political considerations do come into play (=have an effect) when making policy.4action in a game or sport a)[uncountable] the actions of the people who are playing a game or sport: Rain stopped play after only an hour. b)[countable] one particular action or set of actions during a game: On the next play, Johnson ran 15 yards for a touchdown.5in play/out of play if a ball is in play or out of play, it is inside or outside the area in which the rules of the game allow you to hit, kick, catch etc the ball: He kicked the ball out of play.6play on words a use of a word that is interesting or amusing because it can be understood as having two very different meanings SYN pun7play of light patterns made by light as it moves over a surface: the play of light on the water8make a play for something to make an attempt to gain something: He made a play for the leadership last year.9make a play for somebody to try to begin a romantic or sexual relationship with someone: It’s obvious he was making a play for her.10looseness [uncountable] if there is some play in something, it is loose and can be moved: There’s too much play in the rope. → fair play, foul playCOLLOCATIONSverbswrite a play· So far, he has written three plays.go to (see) a play· While we were in New York, we went to a play.see a play· I’ve never seen the play.watch a play· Some of the audience were talking instead of watching the play.perform a play· The play was performed by Brighton Youth Theatre.act/perform/appear in a play· She acted in many plays on the London stage.be in a play (=be performing in a play)· Michael is currently in a play on Broadway.do a play spoken (=arrange it or perform in it)· Bob asked if I would do this play, and I agreed.put on a play (=arrange for it to be performed)· The school puts on a Nativity play every Christmas.direct a play (=tell the actors what to do)· The play is directed by Paulette Randall.produce/stage a play (=arrange its performance)rehearse a play (=practise it)· We spent weeks rehearsing the play.a play opens (=its performances start)· The play opens in San Francisco on Wednesday for a three-week run.a play runs (=it continues to be performed)· The play ran for five months.a play closes (=its performances stop)· The play closes on Sunday, so don’t miss it!ADJECTIVES/NOUN + playa stage play (=a play in a theatre)· I occasionally write reviews of local stage plays.a TV/radio play (=a play written to be performed on TV/radio)· This horror story would make a good radio play.a school play· I got a small part in the school play.a Nativity play British English (=a play about the birth of Jesus, performed by children at Christmas)· She was chosen to play Mary in the nativity play.COMMON ERRORS ► Don’t say ‘give a play’. Say put on a play.