play on

British  

verb

1. (adverb) to continue to play

2. Also: play upon.  (preposition) to exploit or impose upon (the feelings or weakness of another) to one's own advantage

3. (adverb) cricket to hit the ball into one's own wicket

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play on Idioms  

1. Also, play upon. Take advantage of or make use of for a desired effect, as in These health care ads are meant to play on our fears. This idiom uses play in the sense of “performing on an instrument.” Shakespeare used it in Hamlet (3:2): “You would play upon me; you would seem to know my stops.” [Late 1500s]

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Example Sentences

Chairman of Penarth RFC Sean O'Sullivan said some of the 400 children that play on the fields every weekend view the clubhouse as a "second home".

From BBC

The markets already are calling the potential Scottish bonds “kilts,” a play on the word used for British bonds, named “gilts” after the gilded borders on old bond certificates.

From The Wall Street Journal

McVay said last week that Atwell, who has recovered from a hamstring injury, was expected to play on Sunday.

From Los Angeles Times

She wanted her team to be tested nightly, to play on “the biggest stages”.

From Los Angeles Times

His team rallied, pulling within 71-67 with a little less than five minutes to play on a corner three-pointer from Jamar Brown.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adopt
• apply
• employ
• handle
• manage
• operate
• practice
• run
• spend
• utilize
• wield
• work