ENGLISH
REFERENCE

play along

idiom
Meaning

To take part in a charade, deception, or practical joke.


Examples
SIMPLE

Just play along until the surprise party starts.

CONTEXTUAL

When my friend pretended to be a famous actor, I decided to play along to see how long it would last.

COMPLEX

Although he suspected the entire situation was a carefully orchestrated ruse, he chose to play along to avoid causing a public scene.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    child's play

    Something particularly easy or simple.

  2. 02

    go play in the traffic

    To go elsewhere and feel free to engage in risky behavior; to get lost.

  3. 03

    grandstand play

    A successful play or other manoeuvre during a sporting competition in which one or more players shows off unnecessarily in order to entertain or impress the spectators.

  4. 04

    hold-up play

    A play where an attacker retains possession of the ball, while the teammates can move up the field.

  5. 05

    play a part

    To be involved in such a way to affect the outcome, to be a contributing factor.

  6. 06

    play a role

    To have an effect or influence on a situation or outcome; to contribute to something.

  7. 07

    play all one's cards

    To use all one's resources.

  8. 08

    play around

    To engage in sexual practices outside of marriage.

© 2026 English Reference