play it cheap
To be frugal or stingy.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Don't play it cheap when buying gifts for your friends.”
“We wanted a high-quality roof, but the contractor tried to play it cheap by using thin materials.”
“Although the company reported record profits this year, the board of directors continued to play it cheap regarding employee benefits and office improvements.”
- 01
cheap drunk
Someone who is easily intoxicated.
- 02
cheap thrill
Something simple and inexpensive done for pleasure.
- 03
cheaper by the dozen
Handled more efficiently as a group, rather than individually.
- 04
child's play
Something particularly easy or simple.
- 05
fold like a cheap suit
To give up easily; capitulate.
- 06
go play in the traffic
To go elsewhere and feel free to engage in risky behavior; to get lost.
- 07
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.
- 08
hold cheap
To have a low esteem for (someone or something); to hold in contempt; to look down upon.
Last updated August 10, 2026