play upon
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The audience rose as a brass band began to play upon the arrival of the royal family, who sat in their box in the famous concert hall.
From Barron's • Nov. 8, 2025
The World Cup, indeed, should play upon the world stage and not just one continent or two.
From Washington Post • Dec. 7, 2022
The defense has countered that her testimony isn’t that different from that of other bystanders and will only play upon jurors’ emotions.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 23, 2022
Along the way, Berns explains the newest science of how memory, perception and influence play upon our pliable minds, and offers insights into better understanding who we are — and who can be.
From Salon • Oct. 10, 2022
The Prince of Demons paused a moment, then nodded, concealing the smile that threatened to play upon his lips.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
