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

On a corner, we usually wait for five minutes and 58 seconds for the ball to be back in play - representing 36.4 seconds each one.

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Jeff: Any attempt to simulate a foul would be an instant yellow card, but given when a break in play, and monitored by VAR.

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The plan could be for each half to last 30 minutes, with the clock halted when the ball isn't in play.

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The strategy of finding local leadership for a U.S. brand has been in play before.

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If Republicans don’t adapt, the GOP is sure to lose its House majority and the Senate could be in play too.

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Related Words

• alive 
• effective 
• operating