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

During their first two games, Panama have taken a dynamic approach depending on the phase of play the game is in.

From BBC • Jun. 27, 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

“Why are we good for baseball? Because our players play the game the right way.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

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

From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026

“To play the game, we must sit in a circle.”

From "Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina" by Michaela DePrince

Related Words

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