play of words—the use of words merely for the purpose of producing an oratorical effect: The speeches of Thucydides exhibit the antithesis, the climaxes, the plays of words of the rhetorician. play on words—a playful use of words to produce a humorous effect by similarity of sound: When closely analyzed, many jokes depend for their […]
Difference between Play it low down and Play it low-key
play it low down—behave meanly or unfairly towards a person: If it weren’t playing it low down on the fellows that have been in it from the start, I’d like to enlist. Note: The expression does not fully correlate in meaning with the phrase play it low— 1. (of music) play at a low volume: […]
Difference between Play hard to get and Play hardball
play hard to get—pretend to be unapproachable or uninterested, with a view to strengthening one’s position: To be blunt, you sort of strike me as playing hard to get. play hardball—use uncompromising tactics: The insurance company played hardball with desperate homeowners, relying on questionable experts, and falsified reports.
Difference between Play gooseberry and Play old gooseberry
play gooseberry—be the third person present with two lovers; act as an escort: Let the old woman choose between playing gooseberry or loitering behind alone. play old gooseberry—(UK dated) cause damage or devastation to smth.: She would play old gooseberry with the property if we hadn’t someone to look after it.
Difference between Play games with someone and Play with someone
play games with someone—act cunningly or dishonestly towards a person: Don’t try to play games with me. You’re not nearly as clever as you think you are. play with someone—treat smb.’s feelings or affections in a casual and irresponsible way: I feel a pang of remorse because she may love me seriously, although I am […]
Difference between Play games and Play the game
play games—act cunningly or dishonestly towards a person: Don’t play games, Mona. I know about the theft, and I know that you know about it. play the game—observe the rules or conventions: You can’t deny the role that competitiveness plays in raising standards. So you have to play the game if you want to succeed.
Difference between Play down to someone and Play up to someone
play down to someone—deliberately talk to or behave towards smb. so that the person does not feel inferior: Joe Mystic does not play down to his audience. He plays to and has fun with his audience. play up to someone— 1. flatter a person (in order to win favor for oneself ): Are you the […]
Difference between Play donkey and Play donkey-drop
play donkey—take part in a simple card game played with special cards: Rachel forced us to play donkey with her. For some reason she kept winning and I’m always losing. play donkey-drop —(cricket, tennis, etc.) hit a slow ball so that it travels in a high curve: He is content to play “donkey drops” back […]
Difference between Play by ear and Play it by ear
play by ear—play music without notes by relying on one’s sense of tune and harmony: In fact I can only play by ear and have never been able to read music. play it by ear—act in a situation taking things as they come with no prior plans: I’m still not sure what I’ll do when […]
Difference between Play ball and Play the ball
play ball— 1. engage in a sport such as baseball, soccer, etc.: My buddies couldn’t decide where we wanted to play ball, so we gave up and went to a movie instead. 2. go along with a person; cooperate willingly in a plan or activity: I might have played ball just a little, but I […]
Difference between Play at something and Play on something
play at something— 1. (of children) engage in a specified game: Nana had turned on the water for Michael’s bath. The two older children were playing at being mother and father. 2. perform smth. in a not very serious manner: It’s no good playing at business, you have to take it seriously. 3. fill a […]
Difference between Play at bears and Play the bear
play at bears —(of little children) engage in a game of bears: You can play at bears in the nursery when we get back, if you want. play the bear —(coll.) cause a good deal of trouble or bother to a person: Chaps that have got something on their minds can’t stand idleness, it plays […]