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

"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 • Apr. 18, 2022

But Lilli’s backbone, bolstered through the nimble tweaking of play doctor Green, serves to keep the cringe factor at bay.

From Washington Post • Mar. 14, 2019

“We’d play doctor and patient, or teacher and student,” said Tenbarge, who is a student at Ohio State University, studying journalism.

From Slate • Jul. 25, 2018

A team of undergraduates from Abertay University in Dundee has created Sanitarium, a game that invites people to play doctor.

From BBC • Aug. 26, 2015

"You're to play, doctor?" some cried, running to the dog-cart.

From The Little Minister by Barrie, J. M. (James Matthew)