overplay

American  

[oh-ver-pley] / ˌoʊ vərˈpleɪ /

verb (used with object)

1. to exaggerate or overemphasize (one's role in a play, an emotion, an effect, etc.).

   The young actor overplayed Hamlet shamelessly. The director of the movie had overplayed the pathos.

2. to put too much stress on the value or importance of.

   A charitable biographer had overplayed the man's piety and benevolence.

3. Cards.  to overestimate the strength of (the cards in one's hand) with consequent loss.

4. Golf.  to hit (the ball) past the putting green.

5. Archaic.  outplay.

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verb (used without object)

1. to exaggerate one's part, an effect, etc.; overact.

   Without a firm director she invariably overplays.

overplay British  

/ ˌəʊvəˈpleɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to exaggerate the importance of

2. another word for overact

3. to overestimate the worth or strength of one's position

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Etymology

Origin of overplay

First recorded in 1640–50; over- + play

Example Sentences

Unlike most child actors — and unlike his on-screen parents — he never overplays his big scenes.

From Los Angeles Times

Both of these factors suggest bank fears may be overplayed.

From Barron's

But it did ultimately recover and fears that tariffs would cause a sharp travel slowdown were overplayed.

From Barron's

Instead, the ministry promised to implement the new export controls in a “prudential and moderate manner”—a tacit admission that Beijing has overplayed its hand.

From The Wall Street Journal

“To do this when the U.S. has been friendly, I think China has overplayed their hand.”

From Barron's

Related Words

• exaggerate
• maximize
• overdo
• overemphasize
• overstate
• overuse