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

Alonso has been careful not to overplay his hand when speaking to the media, but he always gives the impression he is heavily involved.

From BBC ● Aug. 2, 2026

“I just don’t want us to overplay our hand and kind of lose an atmosphere of goodwill and in the Olympics that could actually ultimately prove to be a longer-term economic benefit,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026

“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

Only don't you go to overplay it none.

From Faro Nell and Her Friends Wolfville Stories by W. Herbert Dunton

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Related Words

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

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