play doctor

American  

noun

Theater.

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

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Etymology

Origin of play doctor

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

The new production will see Smith play doctor Thomas Stockmann, a medical officer who finds the public baths are contaminated.

From BBC

“We don’t allow attorneys general to legislate, and we don’t allow them to play doctor,” Rothert said.

From Washington Times

“But I was miserable. I’m getting paid $17.50 an hour to play doctor all day. It was not worth it.”

From Washington Post

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

From Washington Post

"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