play-the-ball
Britishnoun
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.
From the play-the-ball, Alan Hunte, Goulding and Phil Clarke worked possession right to Betts, who fed Davies on the halfway line with a long way to go.
From BBC • Oct. 20, 2025
The Dragons at least thought they had some much-needed field position, but then were slow to mark up at a PNG play-the-ball and Ngutlik took spectacular advantage.
From BBC • Oct. 31, 2022
Bosc kicked a second penalty on the hour after St Helens prop Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook was punished for interference at the play-the-ball to keep his side on the front foot.
From The Guardian • Apr. 13, 2013
And they got it when visiting full-back Roberts was sent to the sin bin for delaying a play-the-ball.
From BBC • Apr. 2, 2010
He appeared heavily dazed following a routine drive from dummy half, and after stumbling over at the play-the-ball, was quickly withdrawn by the Crusaders medical staff, receiving warm applause on his departure.
From The Guardian • Mar. 19, 2010
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
