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

In Game 2, he had the go-ahead score on a power play.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 13, 2026

Plus, a geothermal power play and Iran confusion.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

Jack Eichel scored Vegas’ only goal on a power play in the final seconds, denying goaltender Lukas Dostal and the Ducks their first shutout of the season.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

Although the Ducks played their best defensive game of the postseason, giving up just 21 shots before the empty-netter, the balanced Knights gave them few good scoring opportunities, especially on the power play.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

You stage a power play by conning the older guy out of some fake winnings, then mouth around that you one-upped the boss.

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz