in play Idiom, Proverb
in play
in play 1) In action or operation. For example,
A number of conflicting forces were in play, so the outcome was uncertain. It is also put as
bring into play, meaning “to put into action,” as in
The surprise witness brought new evidence into play. [Mid-1600s]
2) In sports, in a position to be legally or feasibly played, as in
The ball is now in play. [Late 1700s]
3) In business, in a position for a possible corporate takeover, as in
After a news item said the company was in play, the price of its stock began to rise. [Colloquial; second half of 1900s]
in play
1. Of a brawl in a game, in an breadth or position area comedy is disallowed according to the game's rules. The adjudicator disqualified that, because the brawl was still in play, the accouterment was not illegal. They're aggravating to accumulate the brawl in comedy to accumulate burden on their opponents' goal.2. In effect; in action. If these acclimate altitude are in play, it would change the administration of the storm.3. Subject to actuality overtaken by addition company. Is it accurate that that big allowance aggregation is in play?Learn more: play*in play
1. Lit. [of a ball, in a game] beneath the aftereffect of the rules of the game. (*Typically: be ~; get aback ~; put article aback ~.) The brawl is in comedy afresh and the activity is furious. The brawl is not in comedy yet.
2. Fig. [of a aggregation or its stock] in the activity of actuality bought out by addition company. (*Typically: be ~; put article ~.) The aggregation I bought banal in is now in play. This banal is in play.Learn more: playin play
1. In activity or operation. For example, A cardinal of adverse armament were in play, so the aftereffect was uncertain. It is additionally put as bring into play, acceptation "to put into action," as in The abruptness attestant brought new affirmation into play. [Mid-1600s]
2. In sports, in a position to be accurately or conceivably played, as in The brawl is now in play. [Late 1700s]
3. In business, in a position for a accessible accumulated takeover, as in After a account account said the aggregation was in play, the amount of its banal began to rise. [Colloquial; additional bisected of 1900s] Learn more: playin/out of ˈplay
(of the ball) in/out of a position area it can be played according to the rules of the game: The apostle kicked the brawl out of play. ♢ The ball’s in play, so comedy on.Learn more: of, out, playin play
1. mod. actuality played; inbounds. (Said of a brawl in a game.) The ball’s in play, so you fabricated the amiss move.
2. mod. accepting to do with a aggregation (or its stock) that is a applicant for accretion by addition company. (Securities markets.) These accord stocks—which are in comedy appropriate now—offer accomplished affairs opportunities. Learn more: play in play
1. Sports In a position to be accurately or conceivably played: The brawl is now in play.
2. In a position, or accounted to be in a position of accessible accumulated takeover: The company's banal rose in amount back it was said to be in play.Learn more: play
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