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

See Examples For:

play the game

Losing two of the greatest to ever play the game just months apart will definitely leave a mark on international soccer.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2026

Gamers buy licences to play the game -- licences that can be withdrawn.

From Barron's ● Aug. 28, 2026

So while we may chafe at having our worth reduced to numbers on the boss’s productivity dashboard, we have to play the game as it’s being played.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026

England also paid tribute on social media, calling Sobers "one of the greatest to ever play the game".

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

But wait a minute, argued Bisguier: Fischer’s first game was won by a forfeit; his opponent didn’t show up, so he didn’t even play the game!

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Related Words

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