ENGLISH
REFERENCE

play the same tape

idiom
Meaning

To repeat exactly what one previously said or did.


Examples
SIMPLE

He is playing the same tape again about his old job.

CONTEXTUAL

Every time we discuss the budget, the manager plays the same tape about cutting costs.

COMPLEX

Despite the changing circumstances of the negotiation, the representative continued to play the same tape, ignoring all new evidence presented by the opposition.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    child's play

    Something particularly easy or simple.

  2. 02

    cut red tape

    To reduce bureaucracy.

  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

    hold-up play

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

  6. 06

    play a part

    To be involved in such a way to affect the outcome, to be a contributing factor.

  7. 07

    play a role

    To have an effect or influence on a situation or outcome; to contribute to something.

  8. 08

    play all one's cards

    To use all one's resources.

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