# play the same tape

idiom

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

## Meaning

To repeat exactly what one previously said or did.

## Examples

- He is playing the same tape again about his old job.
- Every time we discuss the budget, the manager plays the same tape about cutting costs.
- Despite the changing circumstances of the negotiation, the representative continued to play the same tape, ignoring all new evidence presented by the opposition.

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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.