ALL meanings of play the game
play the game
P p - noun play the game an amusement or pastime: children's games. 1
- noun play the game the material or equipment used in playing certain games: a store selling toys and games. 1
- noun play the game a competitive activity involving skill, chance, or endurance on the part of two or more persons who play according to a set of rules, usually for their own amusement or for that of spectators. 1
- noun play the game a single occasion of such an activity, or a definite portion of one: the final game of the season; a rubber of three games at bridge. 1
- noun play the game the number of points required to win a game. 1
- noun play the game the score at a particular stage in a game: With five minutes to play, the game was 7 to 0. 1
- noun play the game a particular manner or style of playing a game: Her game of chess is improving. 1
- noun play the game anything resembling a game, as in requiring skill, endurance, or adherence to rules: the game of diplomacy. 1
- noun play the game a trick or strategy: to see through someone's game. 1
- noun play the game fun; sport of any kind; joke: That's about enough of your games. 1
- noun play the game wild animals, including birds and fishes, such as are hunted for food or taken for sport or profit. 1
- noun play the game the flesh of such wild animals or other game, used as food: a dish of game. 1
- noun play the game any object of pursuit, attack, abuse, etc.: The new boy at school seemed to be fair game for practical jokers. 1
- noun play the game Informal. a business or profession: He's in the real-estate game. 1
- noun play the game Archaic. fighting spirit; pluck. 1
- adjective play the game pertaining to or composed of animals hunted or taken as game or to their flesh. 1
- adjective play the game having a fighting spirit; plucky. 1
- adjective play the game Informal. having the required spirit or will (often followed by for or an infinitive): Who's game for a hike through the woods? 1
- verb without object play the game to play games of chance for stakes; gamble. 1
- verb without object play the game to play computer or video games. 1
- verb with object play the game to squander in gaming (usually followed by away). 1
- verb with object play the game to manipulate to one's advantage, especially by trickery; attempt to take advantage of: The policy is flawed and many people try to game the system. 1
- idioms play the game die game, to die after a brave struggle. to remain steadfast or in good spirits at the moment of defeat: He knew that as a candidate he didn't have a chance in the world, but he campaigned anyway and died game. 1
- idioms play the game make game of, to make fun of; ridicule: to make game of the weak and defenseless. 1
- idioms play the game off (or on) one’s game, Sports. playing very badly (or very well). not functioning (or functioning) at one’s usual level: She’s been off her game since she came back from vacation. 1
- idioms play the game play games, to act in an evasive, deceitful, manipulative, or trifling manner in dealing with others: Don't play games with me—I want to know if you love me or not! 1
- idioms play the game play the game, Informal. to act or play in accordance with the rules. to act honorably or justly: We naively assumed that our allies would continue to play the game. 1
- verbal expression play the game co-operate, conform 1
- noun play the game to behave fairly or in accordance with rules 0
- noun play the game to act according to the rules of a game 0
- noun play the game to behave as fairness or custom requires 0