in play

1. In business, in a position for a possible corporate takeover, as in After a news item said the company was in play, the price of its stock began to rise . [ Colloquial ; second half of 1900s]

2. In sports, in a position to be legally or feasibly played, as in The ball is now in play . [Late 1700s]

3. In action or operation. For example, A number of conflicting forces were in play, so the outcome was uncertain . It is also put as bring into play , meaning “to put into action,” as in The surprise witness brought new evidence into play . [Mid-1600s]

Example Sentences

With fewer "cards" in play, the species becomes less equipped to handle new threats.

From Science Daily

George Horne did brilliantly to keep a touch-bound Portugal kick in play and from there Graham slalomed his way over.

From BBC

“The Latino vote now seems more in play than in past elections,” DiCamillo said.

From Los Angeles Times

In an almost identical incident, defender Gabriel handled a pass from David Raya inside the penalty area - again not realising his keeper had taken the goal-kick and that the ball was in play.

From BBC

USA Today's outlook in the key battleground state of Michigan differed slightly from CNN's read, but still found the formerly reliable Democratic state to be in play.

From Salon

Related Words

• alive
• effective
• operating