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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of power play

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

The Ducks finally got on the board when Mason McTavish scored on the power play midway through the second period.

From Los Angeles Times

The team, which started Tuesday 31st in the 32-team NHL in scoring and on the power play, has collected more than two goals just twice in 11 games this month.

From Los Angeles Times

But then Long returned—armed with deep knowledge of corporate coups and boardroom power plays.

From The Wall Street Journal

China’s AI power play: Cheap electricity from world’s biggest grid.

From MarketWatch

The problem is that all that talent can create something of a dilemma: There’s only room for five players on the top power play unit, three on the top line, one in the net.

From The Wall Street Journal