The fireman played water on the burning building.
•The stagehand played a spotlight on the singer.
Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.
play along with someone — play along (with (someone/something)) to seem to support or be friendly to someone or something. He knew that if he didn t play along with the reporters, they would write unpleasant stories about him. I don t really like their idea that much but… … New idioms dictionary
play ball with someone — play ball (with (someone)) to agree to do something the way someone else wants you to. Critics say the agency has been pressured to play ball with drug companies. Related vocabulary: play along with someone/something, go along with… … New idioms dictionary
play ball with someone — play ball (with someone) phrase informal to do something, often something dishonest, that someone wants you to do Because he refused to play ball with these criminals, he was shot and seriously wounded. Thesaurus: to obey a law or rule, or to… … Useful english dictionary
play up to someone — play up to (someone/something) to treat someone or something very well so they will like you. Politicians are always playing up to the media. Usage notes: often said about efforts to benefit from someone s position or importance … New idioms dictionary
play (straight) into someone's hands — play (right/straight) into someone’s hands phrase to do something that helps someone who you are competing against You’ll be playing straight into their hands if you involve the police. Thesaurus: to make a mistake, or to do something… … Useful english dictionary
play (right) into someone's hands — play (right/straight) into someone’s hands phrase to do something that helps someone who you are competing against You’ll be playing straight into their hands if you involve the police. Thesaurus: to make a mistake, or to do something… … Useful english dictionary
play hell with someone or something — AND play the devil with someone or something tv. to cause difficulty for someone or something. □ You know that this cake is going to play hell with my diet. □ Your decision plays hell with all my friends … Dictionary of American slang and colloquial expressions
play along with something — play along (with (someone/something)) to seem to support or be friendly to someone or something. He knew that if he didn t play along with the reporters, they would write unpleasant stories about him. I don t really like their idea that much but… … New idioms dictionary
play along with — play along (with (someone/something)) to seem to support or be friendly to someone or something. He knew that if he didn t play along with the reporters, they would write unpleasant stories about him. I don t really like their idea that much but… … New idioms dictionary
play along — (with (someone/something)) to seem to support or be friendly to someone or something. He knew that if he didn t play along with the reporters, they would write unpleasant stories about him. I don t really like their idea that much but for now, it … New idioms dictionary
play ball with — play ball (with (someone)) to agree to do something the way someone else wants you to. Critics say the agency has been pressured to play ball with drug companies. Related vocabulary: play along with someone/something, go along with… … New idioms dictionary
