play out

verb

1. tr to finish

   let's play the game out if we aren't too late

2. informal.
   tr; often passive to use up or exhaust
3. tr to release gradually

   he played the rope out

4. intr to happen or turn out

   Let's wait and see how things play out

Example Sentences

Global and domestic factors will have a significant impact on how quickly prices rise, but how they will play out remains uncertain.

From BBC

In terms of the Oscars, it’s a bit early to make any assumptions about how the races will play out over the next few months.

From Los Angeles Times

At some level, Fresno leaders are reacting to the same voter mutiny that is playing out across the state, from Orange County to Bay Area cities.

From Los Angeles Times

Once the players got to the pitch, they played out a goalless 90 minutes.

From BBC

The pursuit today is quite different to how it played out in the past.

From BBC

Related Words

• become
• come to be
• end up
• eventually be
• finish as
• turn out to be