play at

Idioms  

1. Do or take part in half-heartedly, as in She was just playing at keeping house, letting the others do all the work. [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

So I made it in the mix, and I had a really fun time having one last little play at a show that I love and adore.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

My dad used to play fútbol, and we used to see him play at this park in Sun Valley.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

Based on both individual play and contributions to his teams, LeBron’s entire body of work is unmatched and LeBron’s play at age 41 is still magnificent.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2026

Round number theory came into play at the $100 figure with a bearish shooting star on Sept. 22, followed by a bearish dark cloud cover and two bearish engulfing candles in October.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

The Fugees, Luma learned, were no longer welcome to play at the center at all.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John