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play doctor

American  

noun

Theater.
  1. a person, usually a professional playwright, employed to improve a script, especially shortly before the play's opening.


Etymology

Origin of play doctor

First recorded in 1920–25


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

I’ve spent the past two years forced to play doctor and public health expert.

From Washington Post ● Jul. 13, 2022

"They felt invested with the most important mission of their life, being able to play doctor, policeman and judge at the same time."

From Reuters ● Apr. 18, 2022

With two crucial second act songs still unwritten, the opening night is postponed by two weeks and Michael Bennett, an in-demand play doctor ever since he staged “A Chorus Line,” is brought in for advice.

From New York Times ● Jul. 28, 2021

“We’d play doctor and patient, or teacher and student,” said Tenbarge, who is a student at Ohio State University, studying journalism.

From Slate ● Jul. 25, 2018

"You're to play, doctor?" some cried, running to the dog-cart.

From The Little Minister by J. M. (James Matthew) Barrie

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