play the game

Idioms  

1. Behave according to accepted customs, obey the rules. For example, Not every foreign company can be counted on to play the game. The game here alludes to a sport with a set of rules. [Late 1800s] Also see play games.

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Example Sentences

“To be honest, I could play the game still,” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

Whatever I feel on that day, some of the best players to ever play the game have been there and felt those same things.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

The fact Covina agreed to play the game past midnight on short notice was a tribute to the relationship Murphy has with Covina coach Tim O’Leary, who was once the pitching coach at South Hills.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026

"Wait for 24 hours, let us play the game which is more important."

From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026

“Sure it is. If you want to play the game the way everyone else does.”

From "Liar & Spy" by Rebecca Stead

Related Words

• acclimate
• accommodate
• accustom
• alter
• comply
• conform
• fit
• modify
• prepare
• readjust
• revise
• shape
• suit
• tailor