ENGLISH
REFERENCE

play for love

idiom
Meaning

To play a game of cards without stakes.


Examples
SIMPLE

We do not bet money here; we just play for love.

CONTEXTUAL

Since it is just a friendly game among neighbors, we decided to play for love instead of using chips.

COMPLEX

The seasoned gamblers preferred the high-stakes table, but the quiet group in the corner chose to play for love, enjoying the game purely for its own sake.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    child's play

    Something particularly easy or simple.

  2. 02

    first love

    The thing, place, or activity of which one is fondest; one's most fundamental interest or attachment.

  3. 03

    for the love of the game

    Doing something for one's own enjoyment or other intrinsic desire to do so; not for other reasons such as money or other ulterior motives.

  4. 04

    go play in the traffic

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

  5. 05

    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.

  6. 06

    hold-up play

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

  7. 07

    labor of love

    A task performed voluntarily without expectation of reimbursement; an altruistic work or undertaking.

  8. 08

    love at first sight

    an instantaneous attraction

Last updated April 17, 2026