overplay

[oh-ver-pley]

verb (used with object)

1. to exaggerate or overemphasize (one's role in a play, an emotion, an effect, etc.).

   The young actor overplayed Hamlet shamelessly. The director of the movie had overplayed the pathos.

2. to put too much stress on the value or importance of.

   A charitable biographer had overplayed the man's piety and benevolence.

3. Cards.,  to overestimate the strength of (the cards in one's hand) with consequent loss.

4. Golf.,  to hit (the ball) past the putting green.

5. Archaic.,  outplay.

verb (used without object)

1. to exaggerate one's part, an effect, etc.; overact.

   Without a firm director she invariably overplays.

overplay

/ ˌəʊvəˈpleɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to exaggerate the importance of

2. another word for overact

3. to overestimate the worth or strength of one's position

Word History and Origins

Origin of overplay¹

First recorded in 1640–50; over- + play

Example Sentences

In a blistering review, critic Sowmya Rajendran slammed the film as "generic, exhausting and offensive," saying it hides tired cliches behind an "exotic" Kerala setting and a score that overplays the land's "foreignness."

From BBC

It’s entirely possible, as many analysts believe, that Wilders has overplayed his hand and that the migrant crisis is no longer the dominant issue in European politics, largely thanks to Trump 2.0.

From Salon

That was over an incident in which Verstappen felt Russell had overplayed his hand with the stewards in seeking a penalty for his rival after an incident in qualifying.

From BBC

"I think the US is overplaying its hand," Ms Elms says.

From BBC

If the US overplays its hand in alienating its allies today, China will be waiting.

From BBC

Related Words

• exaggerate 
• maximize 
• overdo 
• overemphasize 
• overstate 
• overuse