in play

Idioms  

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]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in play

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has experienced a dramatic regression in play following his breakout 2025 season.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026

“With a rate hike in play at next week’s Fed meeting, higher mortgage rates and more pressure on home sales are likely in the near-term,” Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, said in a statement.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 10, 2026

With many physical, emotional and psychological variables in play, researchers admit it’s hard to pinpoint where DNA ends and drive begins when it comes to sibling dynamics.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2026

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand raised interest rates Wednesday, warning that risks for higher inflation remain in play for the economy.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026

She was all for teaching, but her method was to teach during practice and during the breaks in play.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John

Related Words

• alive
• effective
• operating