Meaning of play it cheap | Babel Free

Definitions

To be frugal or stingy.

idiomatic, informal, uncommon

Examples

“With blind eagerness, judged by subsequent action and indifference, our Government seems to have essayed to play the part of philanthropist, guide, and friend, but to "play it cheap", as if phrases could alter facts, or high-sounds declarations could complete, in a moment, what centuries elsewhere have been none too long ago.”

“It was no less grateful to the British people in their honest desire to play the part of guide, philosopher, and friend to the people of Egypt, but to play it cheap.”

“It may cost politicians their necks for giving them those reasons, but some politicians have moved in and out of office-and some have stayed there-by playing it cheap.”

“it plays it cheap, it plays it safe. The disc is a Columbia TriStar Home Video Deluxe Widescreen Presentation (89546, $40).”

“Then, mistakenly, we played it cheap by having some of our Chinese employees in New York translate it.”

“I played it cheap with my In Rainbows purchase, but many committed Radiohead fans were more generous.”

“No, he didn't play it cheap, but that didn't alter the fact that he was never going to let himself hurt Melodye.”

“There were no limos or extravagances at this point, because we all wanted to make as much money as possible. We played it cheap. No huge catering bills, no wild parties, not even upgraded hotel rooms. Whenever we arrived at an airport Robin would be there to meet us in a rented SUV or big sedan, and we'd head to the gig on our own.”

“The Checker had taken many poundings down the years and for a big car was agile on its feet, but Ed had played it cheap as he always did and stuck with an old bald set of Royals where the rubber had gone hard as rocks.”

“But even if they do have the made hand, you still have outs to beat them. Play it cheap if you can otherwise fold.”

CEFR level