play on

British  

verb

1. (adverb) to continue to play

2. Also: play 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

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play on Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

There was a big playground with slides and swings and balls, but we couldn’t play on it till it was time.

From Literature

Tommy Freeman, deployed in midfield against Wales, and veteran utility back Elliot Daly can also play on the wing.

From Barron's

To recharge personal batteries, everyone needs to have their coffee or play on a playground or a chance to feel the sun on their faces — and spend time not being scheduled.

From Los Angeles Times

Redondo opens pool play on Wednesday at home against Etiwanda.

From Los Angeles Times

But the work has intensified anger among NFL players, who overwhelmingly prefer to play on grass, and ask why their owners are happy to cater to other sports while forcing them to keep playing on synthetic turf.

From Barron's

Related Words

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