play the game

Idioms  

1. Behave according to accepted customs, obey the rules. For example, Not every foreign company can be counted on to play the game. The game here alludes to a sport with a set of rules. [Late 1800s] Also see play games.

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Example Sentences

It was a passionate moment in an otherwise less colourful Parliamentary career, which a former UUP director of communications said was characterised by his knowledge of "how to play the game in Westminster".

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2026

Roughly 21,000 people have signed up to play the game, called “Fantasy Box Office,” since it launched last year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

The fact Covina agreed to play the game past midnight on short notice was a tribute to the relationship Murphy has with Covina coach Tim O’Leary, who was once the pitching coach at South Hills.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026

"Wait for 24 hours, let us play the game which is more important."

From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026

You could play the game perfectly and still lose, so why bother playing at all?

From "Prisoner B-3087" by Alan Gratz

Related Words

• acclimate
• accommodate
• accustom
• alter
• comply
• conform
• fit
• modify
• prepare
• readjust
• revise
• shape
• suit
• tailor