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

The winning goal came from Marco Rossi on a power play with less than 11 seconds left in the extra period.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

That seemed to wake the slumbering Ducks, with Gauthier getting his second score of the game on a power play 37 seconds later, giving him a team-high 40 goals for the season.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

But one power play tax advisers are recommending: Stuff the accounts and convert them into Roth IRAs for long-term tax-free retirement savings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

“We were not sharp in any facet of the game. It’s not good enough,” said Smith, after Utah scored two goals on the power play and three in transition.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026

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

From "Blended" by Sharon M. Draper