play the field

Idioms  

1. Date more than one person; avoid an exclusive commitment. For example, All of Joe's friends are married now, but he continues to play the field. This term originated in British horseracing, where it meant “to bet on every horse in a race except the favorite.” It was transferred to other activities about 1930.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

play the field

So if you’re holding status in an airline and want to play the field, reach out to that airline’s frequent-flier program.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026

He has yet to play the field in a game, limited to designated hitting duties on Thursday.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 27, 2025

Twins: Baldelli said Lewis wasn’t quite ready to play the field, as the DH continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

From Washington Times ● Oct. 8, 2023

“I want to play the field every single day,” said Dickerson, who debuted at Nationals Park in 2013 while with the Colorado Rockies and has a 1.061 OPS in 120 career plate appearances against Washington.

From Washington Post ● Jan. 10, 2023

“In games like that, you have to play the field position game.”

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 26, 2022

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