ALL meanings of play for time
play for time
P p - verb without object play for time (of a phonograph, radio, recording, etc.) to give forth sound: The radio played all night. 1
- verb without object play for time to be performed or shown: What's playing at the movie theater around the corner? 1
- verb without object play for time to be capable of or suitable for performance, as a television or dramatic script: We hope this scene will play well. 1
- verb without object play for time Informal. to be accepted or effective; fare: How will the senator's proposal play with the public? 1
- verb without object play for time to move freely within a space, as a part of a mechanism. 1
- verb without object play for time to move about lightly or quickly: The water of the fountain played in the air. 1
- verb without object play for time to present the effect of such motion, as light or the changing colors of an iridescent substance: The lights played strangely over the faces of the actors. 1
- verb without object play for time to operate continuously or with repeated action. 1
- verb without object play for time Informal. to comply or cooperate: They wanted her to tell them what she knew about the plans, but she refused to play. 1
- idioms play for time bring into play, to put into motion; cause to be introduced: New evidence has been brought into play in this trial. 1
- idioms play for time come to play, Informal. to be disposed to play or participate in a manner reflecting a determination to win or succeed: We're a small new business, but we came to play. 1
- idioms play for time in / out of play, in or not in the state of being played during a game: The umpire says the ball was not in play. 1
- idioms play for time make a play for, Informal. to try to attract, especially sexually: He made a play for his friend's girlfriend. to attempt to gain by impressing favorably: This ad will make a play for new consumer markets. 1
- idioms play for time play ball. ball1 (def 25). 1
- idioms play for time play both ends against the middle, to maneuver opposing groups in order to benefit oneself. 1
- idioms play for time play by ear, to play (music or a musical instrument) without printed music, as by memory of what one has heard or by unschooled musical instinct. 1
- idioms play for time played out, exhausted; weary. out of fashion; hackneyed: New styles in clothing are soon played out in New York. used up; finished: The original tires were played out and had to be replaced. 1
- idioms play for time play fast and loose, to act in an irresponsible or inconsiderate manner, especially to employ deception to gain one's ends: to play fast and loose with someone's affections. 1
- idioms play for time play for time, to prolong something in order to gain an advantage; forestall an event or decision: Their maneuvering at the conference was obviously calculated to play for time. 1
- idioms play for time play hardball. hardball (def 4). 1
- idioms play for time play into the hands of, to act in such a way as to give an advantage to (someone, especially an opponent): If you lose your temper when he insults you, you will be playing right into his hands. Also, play into (someone's) hands. 1
- idioms play for time play it by ear, to improvise, especially in a challenging situation when confronted by unknown factors: If you can't come up with a plan, we'll just have to play it by ear. 1
- idioms play for time play it safe, to act cautiously; avoid risk or danger: She usually plays it safe on the red carpet, wearing simple, classic designs. Also, play safe. 1
- idioms play for time play one's cards. card1 (def 22). 1
- idioms play for time play politics. politics (def 8). 1
- idioms play for time play possum. possum (def 3). 1
- idioms play for time play second fiddle. second fiddle (def 1). 1
- idioms play for time play the field. field (def 39). 1
- idioms play for time play the game. game1 (def 27). 1
- idioms play for time play up to, Informal. to attempt to impress in order to gain someone's favor: Students who too obviously play up to their teachers are usually disliked by their classmates. 1
- idioms play for time play with a full deck. deck (def 23). 1
- idioms play for time play with fire. fire (def 54). 1
- idioms play for time play with oneself, Informal. to masturbate. 1
- noun play for time a dramatic composition or piece; drama. 1
- noun play for time a dramatic performance, as on the stage. 1
- noun play for time exercise or activity for amusement or recreation. 1
- noun play for time to delay the outcome of some activity so as to gain time to one's own advantage 0
- noun play for time to maneuver so as to delay an outcome, gain a respite, etc. 0