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

Promising managers inside Hasbro chosen to play the game become CEOs for the day, facing decisions like whether to push into electronic games or go all-in on plush toys.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Hopefully I'm going to be able to use all my psychological techniques to play the game as well as possible, whether I'm a traitor or a faithful, whether that's building up relationships with people or deceiving people and concealing how I really feel," she said.

From BBC

USC had made clear that it wanted to play the game earlier in the season, but was warming up to the idea of continuing the series as is through 2027.

From Los Angeles Times

“I think no matter who is coming into your building, no matter the record of whoever, you have to go out and play the game. The game is won between the four lines. So, I thought we executed that and it was one of the better games we had this year.”

From Los Angeles Times

Naturally the show concludes with a sole victor being crowned, but among the musical’s unusual accomplishments is how, without ever stooping to soppy sentiment or peppy moralizing, Mr. Finn and Ms. Sheinkin illuminate that familiar bromide about winning or losing being less important than how you play the game.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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