# play it cheap

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/play-it-cheap
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be frugal or stingy.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.