play dead
Americanverb (used without object)
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to pretend to be dead or defeated, such as by lying very still.
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to give up and refuse to take action on a situation.
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.
Experts say that, in these situations, it is best to lie down and play dead.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 8, 2026
Mr Godino tells me they play dead when they feel under threat.
From BBC ● Nov. 9, 2025
But the snakes of Golem Grad island — whose main predators are birds — often play dead.
From New York Times ● May 7, 2024
The advice is different with a smaller black bear: Don’t play dead.
From National Geographic ● Aug. 17, 2023
Instinct warned Matthias to lie inert and play dead.
From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
