in play

1. In action or operation. For example, A number of conflicting forces were in play, so the outcome was uncertain . It is also put as bring into play , meaning “to put into action,” as in The surprise witness brought new evidence into play . [Mid-1600s]

2. In sports, in a position to be legally or feasibly played, as in The ball is now in play . [Late 1700s]

3. In business, in a position for a possible corporate takeover, as in After a news item said the company was in play, the price of its stock began to rise . [ Colloquial ; second half of 1900s]

Example Sentences

Referring to a reset in which his team will open conference play with a 0-0 record, Skipper indicated that a new mantra is in play.

From Los Angeles Times

House majority in play, several major Democratic groups vowed to help the Texas lawmakers pay for their sudden abscondment.

From Salon

She refused to rule out Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill as a potential candidate, but added that "we have options" and "everything is still in play".

From BBC

With Edu coming into the club in such an important position, he will want his own people in play, because they will never really fully trust the person that is already in play?

From BBC

It’s a shame the Dodgers and Padres won’t end the regular season against one another because the NL West title could still be in play 31 games from now.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alive 
• effective 
• operating