overplay

American  

[oh-ver-play] / 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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

overplay

“But the combination of predictable U.S. reprisals and conditioning economic incentives on compliance could persuade Tehran not to overplay its hand.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026

Wuttke expects Beijing to be a "subtle negotiator" and "cautious not to overplay their cards."

From Barron's ● May 8, 2026

It's hard to overplay what a huge blow it would be to Australia if Pat Cummins misses some or all of the Ashes, similar to England being without Ben Stokes.

From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2025

But it’s easy to overestimate and overstate the extent of their leverage, and it’s a hand they can overplay.

From Slate ● Feb. 13, 2025

Since she had to reveal herself plainly to the audience, the temptation to overplay the part must have been great, but she resisted it nobly.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 147, September 16, 1914 by Sir Owen Seaman

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Related Words

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

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