English - Phrases and Expressions - "Play"
- Owen Nash
- Nov 12, 2024
- 17 min read
Are you ready to take your English language skills to the next level? Test your knowledge and improve your fluency with our English Quiz! Whether you’re learning for fun, preparing for business conversations, or just want to expand your vocabulary, our quiz is the perfect way to challenge yourself and learn something new.
Tags
If you want to improve your English together, please follow us in social media or subscribe our blog.
1. What does "play by ear" mean?
A) Follow written instructions strictly
B) Improvise without a plan
C) Repeat someone else's words
D) Memorize by heart
Correct Answer: B) Improvise without a plan
Explanation: "Play by ear" means to act or perform without a predetermined plan or script.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 隨便應變 / 随便应变
Examples:
She can play by ear and perform any song she hears.
He doesn't need sheet music; he can play by ear.
2. What does "play hardball" mean?
A) Play a casual game
B) Deal with a situation aggressively or competitively
C) Play unfairly
D) Take a defensive stance
Correct Answer: B) Deal with a situation aggressively or competitively
Explanation: To "play hardball" means to act tough or assertive to achieve a goal.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 玩真的 / 玩真的
Examples:
In negotiations, we need to play hardball if we want to succeed.
The company decided to play hardball to secure the contract.
3. What does "play it cool" mean?
A) Stay calm and collected
B) Avoid playing in hot weather
C) Be indifferent
D) Be overly excited
Correct Answer: A) Stay calm and collected
Explanation: "Play it cool" means to remain calm and not show too much emotion.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 保持冷靜 / 保持冷静
Examples:
Even though she was excited, she tried to play it cool during the meeting.
He played it cool when he heard the good news.
4. What does "play second fiddle" mean?
A) Play an instrument poorly
B) Support or be in a subordinate position
C) Compete for the first place
D) Ignore a leader's commands
Correct Answer: B) Support or be in a subordinate position
Explanation: "Play second fiddle" means to take a role that is less important than someone else's.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 充當配角 / 充当配角
Examples:
He felt like he was playing second fiddle to his more popular colleague.
She was tired of always playing second fiddle in the company.
5. What does "play with fire" mean?
A) Play a dangerous sport
B) Engage in risky behavior
C) Cook without supervision
D) Play with actual flames
Correct Answer: B) Engage in risky behavior
Explanation: "Play with fire" refers to taking actions that are dangerous or risky.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 玩火 / 玩火
Examples:
Don’t play with fire by trying to cheat in the exam.
He’s playing with fire by investing in that risky business.
6. What does "play the field" mean?
A) Be involved in sports
B) Date multiple people without commitment
C) Focus on one activity
D) Take a neutral stance
Correct Answer: B) Date multiple people without commitment
Explanation: "Play the field" means to engage romantically with multiple people without exclusivity.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 魂不守舍 / 魂不守舍
Examples:
He decided to play the field and not settle down yet.
She played the field before deciding to commit to one person.
7. What does "play the game" mean?
A) Cheat in a contest
B) Follow the rules or expectations
C) Disregard competition
D) Create a new set of rules
Correct Answer: B) Follow the rules or expectations
Explanation: "Play the game" means to conform to the accepted practices or rules of a situation.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 遊戲規則 / 游戏规则
Examples:
You have to play the game if you want to succeed in the corporate world.
To get ahead, you need to play the game and keep up with office politics.
8. What does "play one's cards right" mean?
A) Cheat in a card game
B) Make the right choices to succeed
C) Lose a game intentionally
D) Be indecisive
Correct Answer: B) Make the right choices to succeed
Explanation: "Play one's cards right" means to use one's resources or position effectively to achieve success.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 打好牌 / 打好牌
Examples:
She played her cards right and got promoted within a year.
If he plays his cards right, he could land that job.
9. What does "play to the gallery" mean?
A) Perform for a small group
B) Act for show or attention
C) Participate in an art show
D) Speak quietly
Correct Answer: B) Act for show or attention
Explanation: "Play to the gallery" means to do something in a way that is meant to impress or appeal to the public.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 炫耀 / 炫耀
Examples:
He was just playing to the gallery, acting like he was the best at everything.
The politician played to the gallery during the rally to win support.
10. What does "play it safe" mean?
A) Take calculated risks
B) Avoid taking risks
C) Engage in extreme sports
D) Take unnecessary risks
Correct Answer: B) Avoid taking risks
Explanation: "Play it safe" means to act cautiously and avoid risk.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 保守行事 / 保守行事
Examples:
He played it safe by choosing the most reliable option.
She played it safe and stayed in her comfort zone during the competition.
11. What does "play a trick on" mean?
A) Help someone with a task
B) Deceive or prank someone
C) Teach someone a new skill
D) Offer honest advice
Correct Answer: B) Deceive or prank someone
Explanation: "Play a trick on" means to play a prank or deceive someone for fun.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 捉弄 / 捉弄
Examples:
The kids decided to play a trick on their teacher for April Fool’s Day.
He played a trick on his friend by pretending to forget his birthday.
12. What does "play along" mean?
A) Disagree with someone
B) Pretend to cooperate or agree
C) Ignore someone's opinion
D) Lead a group activity
Correct Answer: B) Pretend to cooperate or agree
Explanation: "Play along" means to pretend to cooperate or agree with someone’s plan or behavior.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 假裝同意 / 假装同意
Examples:
She decided to play along with the joke to avoid confrontation.
He played along until he found out what was going on.
13. What does "play dead" mean?
A) Sleep soundly
B) Pretend to be dead or inactive
C) Refuse to work
D) Be lazy on purpose
Correct Answer: B) Pretend to be dead or inactive
Explanation: "Play dead" means to pretend to be dead, often to avoid danger.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 裝死 / 装死
Examples:
The dog was trained to play dead on command.
When they confronted him, he chose to play dead to avoid conflict.
14. What does "play for keeps" mean?
A) Play for fun only
B) Be serious and committed
C) Play in a team sport
D) Be indifferent to winning
Correct Answer: B) Be serious and committed
Explanation: "Play for keeps" means to be serious and committed in what you do, often with the intent to win or achieve lasting results.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 認真行事 / 认真行事
Examples:
This time, he’s playing for keeps; he wants to win at any cost.
They played for keeps during the championship match.
15. What does "play house" mean?
A) Build a toy house
B) Pretend to act as a family, usually as a child's game
C) Play in the garden
D) Design a new home
Correct Answer: B) Pretend to act as a family, usually as a child's game
Explanation: "Play house" refers to children pretending to act like a family.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 扮家家酒 / 扮家家酒
Examples:
The children love to play house with their toy kitchen set.
They used to play house when they were little, pretending to be parents.
16. What does "play it by the book" mean?
A) Make up rules as you go
B) Follow the rules strictly
C) Read a book while playing
D) Ignore guidelines
Correct Answer: B) Follow the rules strictly
Explanation: "Play it by the book" means to follow rules and regulations strictly.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 按規矩辦事 / 按规矩办事
Examples:
He always plays it by the book to ensure everything is done correctly.
The inspector preferred to play it by the book when handling cases.
17. What does "play favorites" mean?
A) Treat everyone equally
B) Show unfair preference for someone
C) Change opinions frequently
D) Choose favorite music
Correct Answer: B) Show unfair preference for someone
Explanation: "Play favorites" means to treat one person or group better than others in an unfair way.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 偏袒 / 偏袒
Examples:
The teacher was accused of playing favorites among the students.
It’s not fair when a manager plays favorites in the workplace.
18. What does "play one's hand" mean?
A) Act without any strategy
B) Reveal or use one's position or resources
C) Give up in a competition
D) Ignore one's responsibilities
Correct Answer: B) Reveal or use one's position or resources
Explanation: "Play one's hand" means to reveal or use one's resources, position, or intentions.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 出手 / 出手
Examples:
She decided to play her hand and reveal her plan to the team.
He played his hand too early and lost the advantage in negotiations.
19. What does "play possum" mean?
A) Pretend to be alert
B) Pretend to be asleep or inactive
C) Run away from danger
D) Hide in a tree
Correct Answer: B) Pretend to be asleep or inactive
Explanation: "Play possum" means to pretend to be asleep or inactive to avoid danger or confrontation.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 裝睡 / 装睡
Examples:
The animal played possum when it sensed danger nearby.
He played possum to avoid being called on during class.
20. What does "play fast and loose" mean?
A) Be cautious
B) Act recklessly or irresponsibly
C) Follow the rules strictly
D) Hesitate before taking action
Correct Answer: B) Act recklessly or irresponsibly
Explanation: "Play fast and loose" means to act carelessly or irresponsibly without regard for consequences.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 玩忽職守 / 玩忽职守
Examples:
He tends to play fast and loose with the truth during arguments.
She was known for playing fast and loose with deadlines.
21. What does "play it up" mean?
A) Make something seem more important than it is
B) Ignore the situation
C) Play with enthusiasm
D) Pretend to be indifferent
Correct Answer: A) Make something seem more important than it is
Explanation: "Play it up" means to exaggerate or emphasize something to make it seem more significant.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 誇大其詞 / 夸大其词
Examples:
The actor played it up by making his role seem more dramatic than necessary.
He played it up to impress his friends with the new car.
22. What does "play second best" mean?
A) Compete for first place
B) Accept a lesser role or position
C) Be the best in a group
D) Perform above expectations
Correct Answer: B) Accept a lesser role or position
Explanation: "Play second best" means to accept being in a subordinate or less important position.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 屈居次位 / 屈居次位
Examples:
He didn’t want to play second best, so he worked hard to become the team captain.
She always felt like she was playing second best compared to her older sibling.
23. What does "play fair" mean?
A) Win at any cost
B) Act honestly and justly
C) Cheat in a game
D) Play without following the rules
Correct Answer: B) Act honestly and justly
Explanation: "Play fair" means to act in a way that is honest and just, following the rules.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 公平行事 / 公平行事
Examples:
The teacher reminded the students to play fair during the game.
She believed in playing fair, even when it meant losing.
24. What does "play to win" mean?
A) Participate casually
B) Try hard to achieve victory
C) Focus on entertainment
D) Help others win
Correct Answer: B) Try hard to achieve victory
Explanation: "Play to win" means to put in effort with the goal of achieving victory.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 全力以赴 / 全力以赴
Examples:
The team was determined to play to win in the final match.
He always plays to win, no matter the odds.
25. What does "play fast and loose with" mean?
A) Treat something carelessly or irresponsibly
B) Follow rules strictly
C) Play only for fun
D) Treat someone kindly
Correct Answer: A) Treat something carelessly or irresponsibly
Explanation: "Play fast and loose with" means to act carelessly or irresponsibly, especially when it comes to rules or standards.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 玩弄 / 玩弄
Examples:
He played fast and loose with the company’s financial records.
Don’t play fast and loose with your health; take proper precautions.
26. What does "play up to someone" mean?
A) Ignore someone
B) Flatter or try to please someone for personal gain
C) Compete with someone
D) Disagree with someone openly
Correct Answer: B) Flatter or try to please someone for personal gain
Explanation: "Play up to someone" means to try to please or flatter someone, often for selfish reasons.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 拍馬屁 / 拍马屁
Examples:
He played up to the boss to get promoted.
She was always playing up to her parents to get what she wanted.
27. What does "play it down" mean?
A) Make something seem less important than it is
B) Exaggerate a situation
C) Act in a dramatic way
D) Hide something from others
Correct Answer: A) Make something seem less important than it is
Explanation: "Play it down" means to minimize the importance or seriousness of something.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 淡化 / 淡化
Examples:
He played it down, saying it was just a small mistake.
She tried to play it down when her team won the competition.
28. What does "play hooky" mean?
A) Attend school or work as usual
B) Skip school or work without permission
C) Work hard on a task
D) Get punished for skipping
Correct Answer: B) Skip school or work without permission
Explanation: "Play hooky" means to skip school or work without permission.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 翹課 / 翘课
Examples:
The kids decided to play hooky and went to the beach instead.
He got caught playing hooky from his job.
29. What does "play a hunch" mean?
A) Follow a gut feeling or instinct
B) Guess based on logic
C) Avoid making decisions
D) Make decisions after deep analysis
Correct Answer: A) Follow a gut feeling or instinct
Explanation: "Play a hunch" means to act on an instinct or feeling without solid evidence.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 憑直覺行事 / 凭直觉行事
Examples:
She decided to play a hunch and invest in the startup.
He played a hunch and guessed the correct answer.
30. What does "play one's trump card" mean?
A) Use the most powerful or advantageous option
B) Ignore the rules to win
C) Cheat in a card game
D) Make a minor move in a game
Correct Answer: A) Use the most powerful or advantageous option
Explanation: "Play one's trump card" means to use one's strongest asset or advantage to achieve success.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 出王牌 / 出王牌
Examples:
She played her trump card by revealing the secret evidence.
He decided to play his trump card and present his best offer.
31. What does "play dumb with someone" mean?
A) Pretend not to understand something
B) Give intelligent answers
C) Argue with someone
D) Ignore someone’s opinions
Correct Answer: A) Pretend not to understand something
Explanation: "Play dumb with someone" means to pretend to be unaware or unknowledgeable.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 假裝不懂 / 假装不懂
Examples:
He played dumb when asked about the surprise party.
She played dumb to avoid getting involved in the argument.
32. What does "play fair and square" mean?
A) Cheat in a competition
B) Act honestly and justly
C) Take shortcuts to win
D) Play only in a fair game
Correct Answer: B) Act honestly and justly
Explanation: "Play fair and square" means to behave in an honest and straightforward manner.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 光明正大 / 光明正大
Examples:
The team always played fair and square during the tournament.
It’s important to play fair and square in any business transaction.
33. What does "play it by ear" mean?
A) Follow a strict plan
B) Decide as you go, without a fixed plan
C) Focus on the long-term goal
D) Stick to a rigid schedule
Correct Answer: B) Decide as you go, without a fixed plan
Explanation: "Play it by ear" means to improvise and adapt to the situation as it unfolds.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 隨機應變 / 随机应变
Examples:
Let’s play it by ear and see how the day unfolds.
She prefers to play it by ear rather than follow a detailed schedule.
34. What does "play with fire" mean?
A) Have a dangerous or risky situation
B) Engage in safe and controlled activities
C) Play a fire-related game
D) Act without any risk
Correct Answer: A) Have a dangerous or risky situation
Explanation: "Play with fire" means to engage in activities that are dangerous or could have serious consequences.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 玩火 / 玩火
Examples:
He’s playing with fire by investing in such a risky project.
You’re playing with fire if you keep ignoring safety warnings.
35. What does "play favorites" mean?
A) Treat everyone equally
B) Show an unfair preference to someone
C) Compete with someone for the best position
D) Choose the most skilled player
Correct Answer: B) Show an unfair preference to someone
Explanation: "Play favorites" means to show favoritism and treat one person or group better than others.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 偏心 / 偏心
Examples:
The teacher was accused of playing favorites in the classroom.
She always plays favorites and helps her best friends more than others.
36. What does "play in the background" mean?
A) Be active and in the spotlight
B) Work or be involved in something without drawing attention
C) Lead a group or event
D) Focus on the main tasks
Correct Answer: B) Work or be involved in something without drawing attention
Explanation: "Play in the background" means to be involved or active, but without taking center stage or drawing attention.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 在背景中 / 在背景中
Examples:
He prefers to play in the background and let others take the lead.
She played in the background, ensuring everything was running smoothly without being noticed.
37. What does "play both sides" mean?
A) Support both parties in a conflict
B) Take a neutral stance
C) Engage in deceitful or manipulative behavior
D) Stay away from conflicts
Correct Answer: C) Engage in deceitful or manipulative behavior
Explanation: "Play both sides" means to act in a way that supports or benefits both parties, often with the intention of gaining advantage.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 騙兩邊 / 骗两边
Examples:
He was playing both sides, trying to gain favors from both groups.
Don’t play both sides in the argument; choose a side and stick with it.
38. What does "play catch-up" mean?
A) Attempt to match or exceed someone’s progress
B) Stay ahead of the competition
C) Avoid competition entirely
D) Rest and relax
Correct Answer: A) Attempt to match or exceed someone’s progress
Explanation: "Play catch-up" means to try to improve or make up for lost ground or lagging behind.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 迎頭趕上 / 迎头赶上
Examples:
After missing a week of work, I had to play catch-up to meet the deadlines.
The team was playing catch-up after a slow start in the game.
39. What does "play second fiddle" mean?
A) Be the most important player
B) Take a subordinate role or less important position
C) Lead the team
D) Ignore others’ opinions
Correct Answer: B) Take a subordinate role or less important position
Explanation: "Play second fiddle" means to be in a less important or subordinate position to someone else.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 扮演配角 / 扮演配角
Examples:
She had to play second fiddle to her more experienced colleague.
He was fine with playing second fiddle in the project, supporting the team leader.
40. What does "play out" mean?
A) Leave a situation immediately
B) Act or perform something to completion
C) Avoid an event
D) Ignore a situation
Correct Answer: B) Act or perform something to completion
Explanation: "Play out" means to unfold or happen in a certain way, or to complete a sequence of events.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 演繹 / 演绎
Examples:
The drama played out in a way that no one expected.
Let's see how things play out before making any decisions.
41. What does "play one's cards right" mean?
A) Make poor decisions
B) Take advantage of an opportunity in the best possible way
C) Ignore the rules
D) Be deceitful to win
Correct Answer: B) Take advantage of an opportunity in the best possible way
Explanation: "Play one's cards right" means to make smart decisions and take advantage of opportunities in the best possible way.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 打好牌 / 打好牌
Examples:
If you play your cards right, you might get the promotion you want.
She played her cards right by negotiating a great deal.
42. What does "play your cards" mean?
A) Make all decisions ahead of time
B) Reveal all your plans
C) Use your available resources or options
D) Ignore the situation
Correct Answer: C) Use your available resources or options
Explanation: "Play your cards" refers to using the available resources or options strategically.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 使出你的籌碼 / 使出你的筹码
Examples:
She knew when to play her cards, using her strengths to win the negotiation.
You have to play your cards wisely in a competitive market.
43. What does "play it safe" mean?
A) Take risks
B) Avoid any form of risk or danger
C) Do something creative
D) Seek adventure
Correct Answer: B) Avoid any form of risk or danger
Explanation: "Play it safe" means to avoid risks and make cautious decisions.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 保守行事 / 保守行事
Examples:
He decided to play it safe and take the less risky route in his career.
It’s always better to play it safe when dealing with unknown situations.
44. What does "play on words" mean?
A) Use language creatively, often humorously
B) Ignore the meaning of words
C) Write in a formal tone
D) Use complex vocabulary
Correct Answer: A) Use language creatively, often humorously
Explanation: "Play on words" means to use words in a clever or humorous way, often based on their double meanings.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 文字遊戲 / 文字游戏
Examples:
The comedian used a clever play on words during the show.
He made a funny play on words during the meeting.
45. What does "play the field" mean?
A) Focus on a single goal
B) Be involved with many people or opportunities
C) Ignore all opportunities
D) Act exclusively for a cause
Correct Answer: B) Be involved with many people or opportunities
Explanation: "Play the field" means to explore multiple opportunities, especially in relationships or career options.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 遊走於各方 / 游走于各方
Examples:
She’s still playing the field and hasn’t decided on a serious relationship yet.
He likes to play the field, trying out different business ventures.
46. What does "play the long game" mean?
A) Focus only on short-term success
B) Be strategic and patient for long-term goals
C) Ignore the future and act impulsively
D) Compete aggressively to win
Correct Answer: B) Be strategic and patient for long-term goals
Explanation: "Play the long game" means to plan and work toward long-term success, even if it takes time and patience.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 打長期戰 / 打长期战
Examples:
She’s playing the long game with her investment strategy, hoping for steady growth.
He chose to play the long game, building relationships over many years.
47. What does "play it cool" mean?
A) Be calm and composed in a situation
B) Act in a cold, distant manner
C) Get overly excited
D) Act aggressively
Correct Answer: A) Be calm and composed in a situation
Explanation: "Play it cool" means to remain calm and composed, not letting emotions take over.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 保持冷靜 / 保持冷静
Examples:
He played it cool when he found out he had won the award.
Try to play it cool when meeting new people at the event.
48. What does "play your part" mean?
A) Take credit for others’ work
B) Contribute your efforts to a shared goal or activity
C) Avoid contributing to the situation
D) Act in an exaggerated way
Correct Answer: B) Contribute your efforts to a shared goal or activity
Explanation: "Play your part" means to contribute your efforts and responsibilities in a group or task.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 盡自己的一份力 / 尽自己的一份力
Examples:
Everyone needs to play their part if the project is to succeed.
She always plays her part in team activities, helping others when needed.
49. What does "play out of one's league" mean?
A) Play against someone less skilled
B) Compete in an area where you are not skilled enough
C) Play on the same level as others
D) Act outside the rules
Correct Answer: B) Compete in an area where you are not skilled enough
Explanation: "Play out of one's league" means to attempt something that is beyond your skill or experience level.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 不在自己能力範圍內 / 不在自己能力范围内
Examples:
She felt like she was playing out of her league when she joined the advanced class.
He was clearly playing out of his league in the championship match.
50. What does "play to the gallery" mean?
A) Focus on your personal goals
B) Act in a way that seeks to impress others, especially the audience
C) Ignore public opinion
D) Avoid showing any emotion
Correct Answer: B) Act in a way that seeks to impress others, especially the audience
Explanation: "Play to the gallery" means to behave in a way that seeks to impress or entertain an audience, often superficially.
Chinese (Traditional/Simplified): 為了取悅觀眾 / 为了取悦观众
Examples:
The actor played to the gallery with dramatic gestures during his performance.
He tends to play to the gallery whenever he’s in front of a crowd.
Comments