play-off

American  

[pley-awf, -of] / ˈpleɪˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

noun

1. (in competitive sports) the playing of an extra game, rounds, innings, etc., in order to settle a tie.

2. a series of games or matches, as between the leading teams of two leagues, in order to decide a championship.

   In America the most exciting play-off is the World Series.

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play off British  

verb

1. to deal with or manipulate as if in playing a game

   to play one person off against another

2. (intr) to take part in a play-off

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noun

1. sport an extra contest to decide the winner when two or more competitors are tied

2. a contest or series of games to determine a championship, as between the winners of two competitions

play off Idioms  

1. See under play both ends against the middle .

2. Break a tie by playing an additional game or period, as in Each team had won three games so they had to play off the tie to decide the championship .

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Etymology

Origin of play-off

First recorded in 1890–95; noun use of verb phrase play off

Example Sentences

The Kansas City Chiefs' play-off hopes are hanging by a thread after losing 31-28 at the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving.

From BBC

Note: Top eight qualify directly for the last 16; teams from ninth to 24th enter a play-off round to contest the remaining last 16 berths; bottom 12 teams will be eliminated.

From Barron's

The top eight receive a bye to the last 16, the next 16 go into a play-off round.

From Barron's

Tottenham are 16th with eight points from five games and well placed to at least reach the play-off.

From Barron's

In 2014, France defender Laurent Koscielny was sent off for slapping Ukraine's Oleksandr Kucher in the first leg of the World Cup play-off.

From BBC

Related Words

• circumvent
• counter
• curb
• defeat
• foil
• frustrate
• hinder
• impede
• obstruct
• oppose
• prevent
• stop
• stymie