English Dictionary

in play

prep_phrase

As a joke. / In operation, active, currently valid. / (sports) Available to be played according to the rules of the game in question; within the boundaries of the pitch etc.

He pretended to be a doctor in play.

意味（1）

As a joke.

You mustn't take what I said so seriously, it was only said in play.

意味（2）

In operation, active, currently valid.

It's hard to tell which physical forces are in play at this altitude.

意味（3）

(sports) Available to be played according to the rules of the game in question; within the boundaries of the pitch etc.

The ball is in play for an average of just seven minutes out of a sixty-minute game.

意味（4）

(business) Open to a takeover bid.

Despite the best efforts of the executive committee, it seems the company is now in play.