play-off

American  

[pley-awf, -of] / ˈpleɪˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

noun

1. (in competitive sports) the playing of an extra game, rounds, innings, etc., in order to settle a tie.

2. a series of games or matches, as between the leading teams of two leagues, in order to decide a championship.

   In America the most exciting play-off is the World Series.

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play off British  

verb

1. to deal with or manipulate as if in playing a game

   to play one person off against another

2. (intr) to take part in a play-off

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noun

1. sport an extra contest to decide the winner when two or more competitors are tied

2. a contest or series of games to determine a championship, as between the winners of two competitions

play off Idioms  

1. See under play both ends against the middle .

2. Break a tie by playing an additional game or period, as in Each team had won three games so they had to play off the tie to decide the championship .

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Etymology

Origin of play-off

First recorded in 1890–95; noun use of verb phrase play off

Example Sentences

Colby Parkinson scores a touchdown with 38 seconds remaining as the Los Angeles Rams leave it late to beat the Carolina Panthers 34-31 to avoid a play-off upset.

From BBC

He will miss their difficult play-off semi-final in Italy on 26 March.

From BBC

Nigeria returned to Morocco with much to prove after a penalty shoot-out defeat by the Democratic Republic of Congo in a November play-off in Rabat ended their hopes of World Cup qualification.

From Barron's

Bradley is also a major doubt for the World Cup should Northern Ireland navigate two play-off matches in March, starting with a trip to Italy.

From Barron's

The Chicago Bears produced a stunning fightback to beat divisional rivals Green Bay and claim their first play-off win in 15 years.

From BBC

Related Words

• circumvent
• counter
• curb
• defeat
• foil
• frustrate
• hinder
• impede
• obstruct
• oppose
• prevent
• stop
• stymie