Play Idioms

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hide and seek

Meaning: To avoid being found, noticed, or contacted; to dodge someone or something.

Example: The politician kept playing hide and seek with the press to avoid tough questions. Read more ➺


come into play

Meaning: To become active, relevant, or influential in a situation.

Example: New technology came into play to solve the problem. Read more ➺


play to the gallery

Meaning: Do things people like just to get their approval, instead of doing what's right or true to your values.

Example: The politician played to the gallery with emotional promises and dramatic gestures. Read more ➺


ducks and drakes

Meaning: to carelessly misuse one's wealth

Example: He lost his job for playing ducks and drakes with the funds of a corporation. Read more ➺


child’s play

Meaning: an informal expression meaning something that is easy to do

Example: If you practise enough, driving will eventually become child's play. Read more ➺


not playing with a full deck

Meaning: not mentally sound

Example: With the number of silly remarks he comes up with, I wonder if he's not playing with a full deck. Read more ➺


play by ear

Meaning: learn music by ear

Example: My sister learned to play the piano by ear when she was a child. Read more ➺


play it by ear

Meaning: improvise; act without preparation.

Example: Rather than adopting a new academic strategy, the principal decided to play it by ear. Read more ➺


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