power play

American  

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 British  

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

---

Etymology

Origin of power play

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Plus, a geothermal power play and Iran confusion.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

Success on the power play was a key factor behind the Ducks’ Game 4 win.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

Mark Stone had an opportunity to score on the power play with less than nine minutes left, but Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal made a spectacular save to keep it a one-goal score.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

Their goals in Game 3 came from Trevor Moore in the second period and Adrian Kempe on a third-period power play.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

And she’s not havin’ it—she hits him with her power play.

From "Blended" by Sharon M. Draper