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

“Geopolitical concerns remain in play for the near term, though thus far have had little if any impact on operations,” a top executive at a healthcare provider told ISM.

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

Lucas Digne's baffling decision to raise his arms and handle the ball as Omari Hutchinson tried to keep it in play gave Wood his chance with 19 minutes left.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

Today, Takeda says that those same catalysts are still in play, and shouldn’t be underestimated, despite the years-long process.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

Those tensions are already in play between the U.S. and its biggest adversary, China, which has been no slouch when it comes to space exploration.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

"Sugared spaghetti with glazed meatballs and honeydew spinach. Sweetie," she taunted, tugging away in play.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez

Related Words

• alive
• effective
• operating