play the market

Idioms and Phrases

Trade in securities in order to make money, as in He is always playing the market with only mixed results . This term uses play in the sense of “gamble,” a usage dating from about 1500.

Example Sentences

California will continue muddling along with a flawed tax system that hurts people when stocks inevitably fall — whether they play the market or not.

From Los Angeles Times

Indeed, the original HODLer in 2013 had no illusions about their ability to play the market.

From Seattle Times

If lawmakers want to play the market, they should select a different career path.

From Washington Post

Less reassuring is the knowledge that so many judges try to play the market instead of parking their money in mutual funds, which is the optimal choice in terms of both their legal obligations and their financial self-interest.

From Washington Post

But that’s not the only way people try to play the market.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gamble
• put up
• speculate