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

“Honestly, being able to play the game is amazing.’

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026

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

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

That experiment allowed producers to learn quickly how future cast members might play the game.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 8, 2026

“Actually knowing the rules allows the banks to play the game better,” said Barclays bank analyst Jason Goldberg.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 20, 2026

Victor took control of the middle of the field, which meant that we started to play the game up at their end instead of down at ours.

From "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor

Related Words

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