play out
To happen slowly and reach an end, or to act something out like a story or scene.
Meanings
For events or a situation to develop and come to a conclusion over time.
"Nobody could have predicted how the crisis would play out."
""We'll just have to see how this plays out.""
— Barack Obama, press conference, 2011
To act out or perform a scenario, fantasy, or role.
"The children played out a pirate adventure in the backyard."
(British informal) To be exhausted or finished; to have no more energy or usefulness.
"By the end of the tour, the band was completely played out."
(Sport) To use up the remaining time in a match, especially by keeping possession of the ball.
"The goalkeeper played the ball out to his defenders to run down the clock."
Very common in journalism: 'events played out over several weeks.' Also used in psychology/therapy for 'acting out' fantasies or scenarios. In sports, 'play it out' means to keep the ball until time is up.
Commonly used with
Forms
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