game plan

American  

noun

1. a carefully thought-out strategy or course of action, as in politics, business, or one's personal affairs.

2. Sports. the overall strategy of a team for winning a specific game.

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game plan British  

noun

1. a strategy

2. a plan of campaign, esp in politics

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Etymology

Origin of game plan

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

The game plan worked well enough in Game 1, where a mishandled puck led to Logan O’Connor’s breakaway goal early in the third period, a score that proved to be the difference.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

Cronin’s previous outing was “Evil Dead Rise,” a sequel heavily devoted to the gooey game plan mapped out by Fede Alvarez’s 2013 rethink of Sam Raimi’s gross-out comedies.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

"You feel for Arbeloa - his game plan was excellent, but a couple of moments cost Real Madrid."

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

“Of the three people that would potentially make the call,” Marlins director of pitching Bill Hezel said, “only one of them has the actual game plan directly in front of him.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

“You didn’t execute the game plan, Finley. I had to bench you. Would’ve done the same thing to any other player.”

From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick

Related Words

• blueprint
• scenario
• scheme
• strategy