ENGLISH
REFERENCE

play on words

idiom

A pun, or similar humorous use of language such as a double entendre.


Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    child's play

    Something particularly easy or simple.

  2. 02

    empty words

    Any type of talk with little meaning; a message that seems to contain meaningful content but is actually vapid.

  3. 03

    go play in the traffic

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

  4. 04

    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.

  5. 05

    have words

    To argue, to have an argument.

  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

    man of few words

    A man who doesn't speak much; a habitually terse or taciturn man.

  8. 08

    mark my words

    Listen to me; used before or after a statement one wishes to emphasize, especially a prediction.

© 2026 English Reference