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

That Adli may not have been able to keep the ball in play does not matter, only that it was still in when the foul contact happened.

From BBC

Can any fair have comparable impact today when so many other global forces are in play?

From The Wall Street Journal

She continued: "Near the chapel is the children's hospital. There are staff here who specialise in play therapy, softening the anxiety of a hospital stay, and speeding up recovery."

From BBC

If he avoids serious injury and a major dropoff in play, Kempe will almost certainly rank among the top five in franchise history in games, goals and points when his contract runs out.

From Los Angeles Times

By virtue of the Indianapolis Colts losing to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night, the Chargers secured a playoff berth, and the division title and top seed in the AFC are still in play.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alive
• effective
• operating