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Gamers buy licences to play the game -- licences that can be withdrawn.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

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026

All the talk stops when they run out anyway, and if they play the game rather than the occasion then I think they will win.

From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026

All he wanted was to play the game with the intern.

From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin

Related Words

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