play on

verb

1. adverb to continue to play
2. Alsoplay upon preposition to exploit or impose upon (the feelings or weakness of another) to one's own advantage
3. adverb cricket to hit the ball into one's own wicket

Idioms and Phrases

Also, play upon . Take advantage of or make use of for a desired effect, as in These health care ads are meant to play on our fears . This idiom uses play in the sense of “performing on an instrument.” Shakespeare used it in Hamlet (3:2): “You would play upon me; you would seem to know my stops.” [Late 1500s]

Example Sentences

The top team from each conference will play on July 1 in the Cup Final.

From Los Angeles Times

"We didn’t play on pitches like they do today," Gloria said.

From BBC

Their relationship is so tight it has caused some to dub Musk his "First Buddy", a play on the president's wife being named First Lady.

From BBC

"The stress of looking over my shoulder... started to play on me quite badly," admits David.

From BBC

The Lakers return to NBA Cup play on Tuesday at Phoenix as the group leader at 2-0.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adopt
• apply
• employ
• handle
• manage
• operate
• practice
• run
• spend
• utilize
• wield
• work