# play the field

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/play-the-field
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To have numerous romantic partners, without or before committing exclusively to one.

## Examples

- He is not ready to settle down and prefers to play the field.
- After her long relationship ended, she decided to play the field for a while instead of dating just one person.
- Rather than tethering himself to a single partner, he chose to play the field, exploring various romantic connections before eventually seeking a more permanent commitment.

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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.