Meaning of play on | Babel Free

Definitions

1. To exploit (a potential weakness or vulnerability) by exacerbating.
2. To exploit (a double meaning, similarity in sound, etc.) for humorous or creative effect.
3. To impinge upon in a recurring or nagging way.
4. To frequently allude to or return to as a theme.
5. to hit the ball into his own wicket, thus being out bowled
6. To let the game continue after a foul has been committed, because the situation is advantageous to the team who would be awarded a foul.
7. To cause (an opposing player) to be onside rather than offside due to one's position on the field of play.
8. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see play, on.

Examples

“to play on someone's fears”

“This joke plays on the fact that 'thirsty' sounds similar to 'Thursday'.”

“to play on one's mind, or conscience”

“The pamphlet plays on the idea that all social conflict is class-based.”

“The ref said that Smith was offside, but I think that Jones played him on.”

“I knew I was losing, but I played on anyways.”

CEFR level