idioms involving “play”

Play up

To emphasize

“Let's play up the fact in our presentation that we have 20 years of experience in this field.”

Play (it) by ear

To deal with something without a previous plan

“We don't know why the client has called an emergency meeting so we can't prepare for it. We'll just have to play it by ear.”

Play one's cards right

To make the right moves, take the right actions

“If Kawasaki-san plays her cards right, she should be Vice-President within two years.”

Play-by-play

Very detailed explanation

“Suzuki-san can't attend the meeting but Ishii-san will give her a play-by play afterward.”

Play with fire

To do something risky or dangerous

“The company has taken out several bank loans already. Borrowing more money would be playing with fire.”