play along

verb

1. intrusually foll bywith to cooperate (with), esp as a temporary measure
2. tr to manipulate as if in a game, esp for one's own advantage

   he played the widow along until she gave him her money

Idioms and Phrases

Cooperate or pretend to cooperate, as in They decided to play along with the robbers, at least for a while . [ Colloquial ; 1920s]

Example Sentences

Administration officials are only too happy to play along as well.

From The Daily Beast

For my own sanity—as morally discomfiting as it is—I'm planning to play along.

From The Daily Beast

They wanted to pretend they had a plan and have the new PM play along.

From The Daily Beast

The agent would have to play along with the mood of the crowd to maintain cover, irrespective of personal feelings and reactions.

From The Daily Beast

Refusing the play along the new rules, Bachmann plans to continue her reelection in her old district, arguing that it is her home.

From The Daily Beast

And they knew by experience that it would be a Striped Bass, or perhaps a Cod, for these fishes play along near the shore.

From Project Gutenberg

We play along like always, and Hotlips has his trumpet pressed into his face, and nothing but beautiful sounds come from the band.

From Project Gutenberg

My part will play along with anyone except Belle; hers with anybody except me.

From Project Gutenberg

I suggest you change your attitude; play along with them for a few days till the picture becomes a little clearer to you.

From Project Gutenberg

"You're not casual enough, for one thing," said Pembroke, deciding to play along with her for the moment.

From Project Gutenberg