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play to

B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To do something in a way that you know a certain group of people will like, or to use your best skills.

Literal meaning: To direct one's playing toward someone.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

To perform or behave in a way calculated to impress or appeal to a specific audience.

"The politician was clearly playing to the crowd with his populist remarks."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To exploit or make the most of a particular strength or advantage.

"As a sprinter, she plays to her strengths by running short distances."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 neutral

To perform music or a show for a specific audience or venue.

"The band played to a sold-out crowd of 20,000 fans."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Commonly used in politics ('playing to the base'), theatre, and sports ('play to your strengths'). 'Play to the gallery' is a fixed idiom meaning to seek cheap applause.

Commonly used with

strengths gallery crowd audience base cameras

Forms

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

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