overplay

[ oh-ver-pley ]

verb (used with object)

1. to exaggerate or overemphasize (one's role in a play, an emotion, an effect, etc.):

   The young actor overplayed Hamlet shamelessly. The director of the movie had overplayed the pathos.

2. to put too much stress on the value or importance of:

   A charitable biographer had overplayed the man's piety and benevolence.

3. Cards. to overestimate the strength of (the cards in one's hand) with consequent loss.
4. Golf. to hit (the ball) past the putting green.
5. Archaic. outplay.

verb (used without object)

1. to exaggerate one's part, an effect, etc.; overact:

   Without a firm director she invariably overplays.

overplay

/ ˌəʊvəˈpleɪ /

verb

1. tr to exaggerate the importance of
2. another word for overact
3. overplay one's hand
   to overestimate the worth or strength of one's position

Word History and Origins

Origin of overplay¹

First recorded in 1640–50; over- + play

Example Sentences

Democratic pollster John Anzalone, who advises Biden’s campaign, pushed back against those warning of political risks should the president and down-ballot Democrats overplay their hand.

From Seattle Times

“The guy was convicted of 34 counts. How do you overplay that?”

From Seattle Times

Newsom said he didn’t want to overplay the influence of religion on his position on the death penalty, which his father also opposed.

From Los Angeles Times

For “I’m Just Ken,” they were careful not to “overplay the humor,” Ronson said, and strike the right balance between irony and sincerity.

From New York Times

“Just keep a good equilibrium. If you don’t play this guy, this guy’s open, if you overplay this guy then this guy’s open. It gives us a variety of options to go through, which is kind of nice to have.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• exaggerate
• maximize
• overdo
• overemphasize
• overstate
• overuse