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.
In its statement, the Justice Department said it began its review last fall when it was clear Warner Bros. was in play.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026
That puts the 25 level, give or take, in play for the VIX.
From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026
Attacking foul before the ball is in play: The Ifab has given Fifa permission to allow a VAR review if it directly leads to a goal, penalty or disciplinary sanction.
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
For this reason the VAR will not be able to review defensive fouls before the ball is in play because it is not possible to give a penalty.
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
My powers were in play and in force.
From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë
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.
