Synonyms

play the game

Idioms

Behave according to accepted customs, obey the rules. For example, Not every foreign company can be counted on to play the game. The game here alludes to a sport with a set of rules. [Late 1800s] Also see play games.

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.

“To be honest, I could play the game still,” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

While Manchester City wanted to play the game against Crystal Palace on Tuesday.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

“He’s one of the smartest guys to ever play the game of basketball,” Reaves said of James.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

"Wait for 24 hours, let us play the game which is more important."

From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026

Her only problem was that dumb stock market; it didn't want to play the game.

From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023