play the field

1. Date more than one person; avoid an exclusive commitment. For example, All of Joe's friends are married now, but he continues to play the field. This term originated in British horseracing, where it meant “to bet on every horse in a race except the favorite.” It was transferred to other activities about 1930.

Example Sentences

He has yet to play the field in a game, limited to designated hitting duties on Thursday.

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White Sox: OF Paul DeJong did not come out to play the field in the fifth inning after getting plunked on the left elbow by Wheeler in the top half.

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If he wants to attempt to play the field, allow it.

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Twins: Baldelli said Lewis wasn’t quite ready to play the field, as the DH continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

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Twins: Manager Rocco Baldelli said Lewis wasn’t quite ready to play the field as the DH continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

Read more on Seattle Times