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Phrases related to: play the ball and not the man Page #3

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play with fireCommit one's self to do something extraordinary, dangerous, illegal, actions taken, lacking good judgement.Rate it:

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two can play that gameThe tactics and/or strategies of an enemy can be used against him.Rate it:

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play old harryBlenkiron and I have been moving in the best circles as skilled American engineers who are going to play Old Harry with the British on the Tigris. — John Buchan, "Greenmantle", 1916..Rate it:

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play on wordsA pun, or similar humorous use of language such as a double entendre.Rate it:

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play the race cardMark Fuhrman, Murder in Brentwood p.153.Rate it:

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play to winTo play in an especially competitive, committed manner, focused intently on winning.Rate it:

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against the run of playContrary to the flow of the game.Rate it:

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close of playThe end of a day's playRate it:

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close of playThe end of the final game (not to be confused with set or match) during a day at the All England Tennis Championships (Wimbledon)Rate it:

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close of playThe end of the working dayRate it:

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fair playGood behavior, following the rulesRate it:

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go play in the trafficTo go elsewhere and feel free to engage in risky behavior; get lost.Rate it:

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grandstand playA successful play or other manoeuvre during a sporting competition in which one or more players shows off unnecessarily in order to entertain or impress the spectators.Rate it:

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hold-up playA play where an attacker retains possession of the ball, while the teammates can move up the field.Rate it:

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horse playTo fool aroundRate it:

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play a partto be involved in such a way to affect the outcome, to be a contributing factorRate it:

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play atTo do something in a manner that lacks seriousness, commitment, or professionalism.Rate it:

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play atTo pretend to be a different person while playing a game.Rate it:

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play awayTo be sexually unfaithful out of one's homeRate it:

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play backTo replay a recording.Rate it:

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Play Both Ends Against the MiddleTo take advantage by causing two opposing groups stand against each other, dishonestly misusing two forces for the sake of attaining ones selfish purposeRate it:

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play both sides against the middleTo manipulate opponents or competitors in a manner which benefits the manipulator.Rate it:

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play by earTo do by guessing, intuition, or trial and error; to react to events as they occur.Rate it:

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play dumbTo pretend to be mute.Rate it:

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play dumbTo pretend to be slow-witted or lacking in specific knowledge, usually in order to avoid responsibility or to gain some advantage.Rate it:

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play first fiddleTo play a leading role.Rate it:

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play for loveTo play a game of cards without stakes.Rate it:

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play for timeTo delay a situation until one is prepared.Rate it:

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play gamesTo deceive, to lie about one's intentions.Rate it:

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play gooseberryto serve as a chaperonRate it:

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play hardballTo use every means possible to achieve a goal, especially in disregarding the harm caused.Rate it:

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play hardballTo act rough and ruthless, especially in politics or business.Rate it:

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play hob withmess with, cause trouble forRate it:

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play hookeyTo be absent without permission, especially from school.Rate it:

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play hookyTo miss school, work, or other duties without permission or an excuse.Rate it:

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play inTo pass the ball into an attacking position.Rate it:

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play inOf a batsman, to settle and become comfortable with the conditions at the beginning of his innings.Rate it:

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play in PeoriaTo receive widespread acceptance among members of the general American public.Rate it:

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play into someone's handsTo act, or to manage matters, to someone's advantage or benefit.Rate it:

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play it by earTo play a song according to how it sounds, rather than from a written score.Rate it:

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Play it by EarTo take ones next move when one is already faced with a situation, to devise or improvise thingsRate it:

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play it safeTo take a cautious, risk-free approach.Rate it:

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play it straightTo avoid criminal behavior.Rate it:

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play it straightTo behave in a manner that is straightforward, honest, or sincere.Rate it:

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play it straightTo perform a role in a manner that is not comedic or exaggerated.Rate it:

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play offTo pretend not to be embarrassed, upset, impressed, or otherwise affected by something.Rate it:

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play offTo display; to show; to put in exercise.Rate it:

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play offTo compete against in a play-off.Rate it:

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play Old GooseberryTo play the devil; to make mischief.Rate it:

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play Old GooseberryTo suddenly put a stop to a disturbance by force or threats.Rate it:

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