in play
Idioms-
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]
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In sports, in a position to be legally or feasibly played, as in The ball is now in play . [Late 1700s]
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Before last week's round of action, they had the most kicks in play and kicked the most metres in the league.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
"The evacuation zones are still in play," he said.
From Barron's • May 25, 2026
The kiss cams and sing-alongs and air horns and thunder sticks are all integrated into the game, not reserved for stoppages in play.
From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026
More than 58% of the balls he has put in play have left his bat at 95 mph or above, which is nearly six points higher than his career mark, according to Statcast.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026
In the end, the four students made an agreement to ask permission before touching each other, even in play.
From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
