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

Anyone who reads “Fairview” will understand the challenge of producing it, but I don’t think I fully appreciated how much stylistic nuance is in play.

From Los Angeles Times

It also could put even higher oil and gas prices in play, as well as increased costs for fertilizer, transporting goods and many products based on petrochemicals.

From MarketWatch

“Equity markets are rightfully skittish just now, because all three factors are in play,” said Colas.

From MarketWatch

“That raises the risk of a prolonged standoff, which in turn keeps upside risks for oil prices and safe-haven flows firmly in play.”

From The Wall Street Journal

With potentially millions or even billions of agents in play, “businesses will not want to pay a per-agent fee, but rather pay based on the agent usage,” the analysts write.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• alive
• effective
• operating