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

There's brilliance but there's also painful weakness - soft beginnings to Tests, panic when well on top, overplaying, error counts, poor discipline adding pressure, players going off script, chances butchered, lack of mental resilience.

From BBC

Here, even more than in the case of Burma, the author overplays his hand.

From The Wall Street Journal

We shouldn't overplay the significance of one council by-election.

From BBC

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

Related Words

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