power play

noun

1. Football. an aggressive running play in which numerous offensive players converge and forge ahead to block and clear a path for the ball carrier.
2. Ice Hockey.
   1. a situation in which one team has a temporary numerical advantage because an opposing player or players are in the penalty box, and hence has an opportunity for a concerted, swarming attack on the opponent's goal.
   2. the offensive strategy or effectiveness of the team having such an advantage.
3. an action, stratagem, or maneuver, as in politics or business, by which power is concentrated or manipulated in order to subdue a rival or gain control of a situation.

power play

noun

1. behaviour or tactics intended to magnify a person's influence or power
2. the use of brute strength or force of numbers in order to achieve an objective

Word History and Origins

Origin of power play¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

The Russian president mocked American and European claims that he was conducting some sort of renegade power play in Crimea.

From The Daily Beast

Predicting what comes next in this very public internal power play is difficult.

From The Daily Beast

Joan and Harry have had struggles over the years, a sort of power play with each other.

From The Daily Beast

Analysts say these actions point to more than a simple power play.

From The Daily Beast

This political power play turned out, in retrospect, to be extremely effective.

From The Daily Beast

Though here at least it seems that the individual will and power play the largest part, yet it is otherwise.

From Project Gutenberg

They were falling back on a raw power play and forgetting any earlier schemes.

From Project Gutenberg