power play

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See synonyms for power play on Thesaurus.com

noun

Football. an aggressive running play in which numerous offensive players converge and forge ahead to block and clear a path for the ball carrier.

Ice Hockey.

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.
the offensive strategy or effectiveness of the team having such an advantage.

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.

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Origin of power play

First recorded in 1960–65

Words nearby power play

power of appointment, power of attorney, power of the purse, power pack, power plant, power play, power point, power politics, power press, Powers, power saw

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use power play in a sentence

That power play will extend into the boardroom later this month when the woman-dominated company is expected to make its debut as a publicly traded company.
Bumble gave women more power in dating. Now the app is giving women power in the boardroom.|Jena McGregor|February 5, 2021|Washington Post
That could intensify, especially because athletes are becoming more outspoken, challenging norms and making power plays.
This odd Super Bowl will bring us together for a day. Let’s not take that for granted.|Jerry Brewer|February 5, 2021|Washington Post
Ovechkin took line rushes at Saturday’s morning skate and was back in his usual spot with the top power play.
Alex Ovechkin, Dmitry Orlov cleared to play for Caps; Evgeny Kuznetsov, Ilya Samsonov remain out|Samantha Pell|January 30, 2021|Washington Post
With the score tied at 2, Komarov was assessed a five-minute major for boarding, and the Capitals had an extended power play.
Shorthanded Capitals edge the Islanders on Justin Schultz’s late goal|Samantha Pell|January 27, 2021|Washington Post

Ovechkin had two primary assists in the first 11 minutes, the first for Backstrom and the second for Oshie on the power play.
New Capitals season, old names in the goal column as Caps beat Sabres in opener|Samantha Pell|January 15, 2021|Washington Post
From this attitude he draws a singular comic and literary power.
Houellebecq’s Incendiary Novel Imagines France With a Muslim President|Pierre Assouline|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Have there been discussions with FX regarding an Archer movie, and how do you think that would play out?
‘Archer’ Creator Adam Reed Spills Season 6 Secrets, From Surreal Plotlines to Life Post-ISIS|Marlow Stern|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
And the fact that satire unnerves the intolerant is evidence of its positive power.
Why We Stand With Charlie Hebdo—And You Should Too|John Avlon|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Would the Democrats rescind those rights if they were to return to power?
The Black Man Who Replaced Jefferson Davis in the Senate|Philip Dray|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Father Joel Román Salazar died in a car crash in 2013; his death was ruled an accident, but the suspicion of foul play persists.
Mexico’s Priests Are Marked for Murder|Jason McGahan|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
I assure you, no matter how beautifully we play any piece, the minute Liszt plays it, you would scarcely recognize it!
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
But I hope at least to play to him a few times, and what is more important, to hear him play repeatedly.
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
To fill up the time till Liszt came, our hostess made us play, one after the other, beginning with the latest arrival.
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
For this use of the voice in the special service of will-power, or propelling force, it is necessary first to test its freedom.
Expressive Voice Culture|Jessie Eldridge Southwick
Again the sallow fingers began to play with the book-covers, passing from one to another, but always slowly and gently.
Bella Donna|Robert Hichens

British Dictionary definitions for power play

power play

noun

behaviour or tactics intended to magnify a person's influence or power

the use of brute strength or force of numbers in order to achieve an objective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012