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play through

B1 neutral inseparable both
In simple words

To keep playing even when something is wrong, like being hurt, or to let someone go ahead of you in golf.

Literal meaning: To play from one side through to the other end.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To continue playing a sport despite pain, injury, or difficulty.

"He played through a sprained ankle to finish the final quarter."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 neutral

(Golf) To allow a faster group of players to pass ahead of your group on the course.

"The slow foursome stepped aside and waved us through to play through."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 informal

(Gaming) To complete a video game or level from beginning to end.

"I played through the entire game in one weekend."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very common in US sports contexts: an athlete 'plays through the pain.' Also used in gaming to mean completing an entire game from start to finish. In golf, 'play through' means one group lets another pass.

Commonly used with

pain injury discomfort game round level

Forms

Base
play through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
plays through
he/she/it
Past simple
played through
yesterday
Past participle
played through
have + pp
-ing form
playing through
continuous

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