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Synonyms

play the market

Idioms  
  1. Trade in securities in order to make money, as in He is always playing the market with only mixed results. This term uses play in the sense of “gamble,” a usage dating from about 1500.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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Now, individuals can play the market with more precision than ever before, said Dean Ahrens, a 19-year-old investor and content creator—without being glued to their screens.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 6, 2026

"Trying to play the market in this environment is fraught with danger," he added.

From BBC ● Apr. 10, 2025

Indeed, the original HODLer in 2013 had no illusions about their ability to play the market.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 9, 2022

What is clear is that buybacks incentivize corporations to play the market poorly, even as they keep investors happy.

From Slate ● Dec. 27, 2018

A man might die or run away, or play the market.

From Copper Streak Trail by Eugene Manlove Rhodes

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