play on

British  

verb

1. (adverb) to continue to play

2. Also: play upon.  (preposition) to exploit or impose upon (the feelings or weakness of another) to one's own advantage

3. (adverb) cricket to hit the ball into one's own wicket

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play on Idioms  

1. Also, play upon. Take advantage of or make use of for a desired effect, as in These health care ads are meant to play on our fears. This idiom uses play in the sense of “performing on an instrument.” Shakespeare used it in Hamlet (3:2): “You would play upon me; you would seem to know my stops.” [Late 1500s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

play on

The Piddington referendum was a play on the British comedy film "Passport to Pimlico".

From Barron's ● Sep. 16, 2026

Macklemore said in his Monday statement he was hopeful this turn of events would not mean an end to his friendship with Sheeran and he was grateful for the opportunity to play on tour, regardless.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026

But political leaders in Ireland will be hoping the only debate tomorrow is about the play on the golf course.

From BBC ● Sep. 12, 2026

The “SaaSpocalypse,” a play on the acronym for software as a service, became the watchword for the meltdown.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026

“So, you play on the roof as well,” he went on.

From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman

Related Words

• adopt
• apply
• employ
• handle
• manage
• operate
• practice
• run
• spend
• utilize
• wield
• work