game plan

American  

noun

1. a carefully thought-out strategy or course of action, as in politics, business, or one's personal affairs.

2. Sports.  the overall strategy of a team for winning a specific game.

---

game plan British  

noun

1. a strategy

2. a plan of campaign, esp in politics

---

Etymology

Origin of game plan

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

"He's going to fight with emotions. Once he's rattled, he won't stick to the game plan, and he won't be the same fighter in the ring."

From BBC

“It is essential to develop a straightforward game plan to navigate the Medicare search process,” said Katy Votava, president of Goodcare.com and author of “Making the Most of Medicare.”

From MarketWatch

"Coming up on a short week, everybody is grinding in here right now, making sure we get the whole game plan in and making sure everybody is ready to go."

From Barron's

The final was postponed one week because of rain, and Barristers coach Shane Gerard took full advantage of the extra time to devise a game plan.

From Los Angeles Times

The return of the Bruins’ best player should significantly enhance an offense that unveiled a conservative game plan against the Buckeyes under backup quarterback Luke Duncan.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blueprint
• scenario
• scheme
• strategy