in play
Idioms-
In action or operation. For example, A number of conflicting forces were in play, so the outcome was uncertain . It is also put as bring into play , meaning “to put into action,” as in The surprise witness brought new evidence into play . [Mid-1600s]
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In sports, in a position to be legally or feasibly played, as in The ball is now in play . [Late 1700s]
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In business, in a position for a possible corporate takeover, as in After a news item said the company was in play, the price of its stock began to rise . [ Colloquial ; second half of 1900s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"There is strategy in play, different heights and orders," said Tanfield, the veteran of this team at 29.
From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026
Mark Peter Simmonds, director of science at OceanCare, likened it to "human formal meals where socialising as well as nutrition are in play".
From Barron's ● Jul. 23, 2026
There are also sponsorship deals and paid appearances in play for established superstars and competitors with newfound fame alike.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 17, 2026
“When you live in a country where political powers are constantly in play, when you own a restaurant, you’re the person who’s hosting somebody who’s having a dangerous conversation,” explains Katerina.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026
Farder Coram was a chess player, and he knew how chess players looked at a game in play.
From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
