play to win
To make a special, determined effort to achieve general success or a particular goal, in life, in one's career, in negotiation, etc.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“She always plays to win in every game.”
“If you want to get that promotion, you need to stop being passive and start playing to win.”
“The seasoned negotiator entered the room with a clear strategy, signaling to his opponents that he was there to play to win.”
- 01
child's play
Something particularly easy or simple.
- 02
go play in the traffic
To go elsewhere and feel free to engage in risky behavior; to get lost.
- 03
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.
- 04
hold-up play
A play where an attacker retains possession of the ball, while the teammates can move up the field.
- 05
not win for losing
To repeatedly fail in one's gambles or efforts.
- 06
play a part
To be involved in such a way to affect the outcome, to be a contributing factor.
- 07
play a role
To have an effect or influence on a situation or outcome; to contribute to something.
- 08
play all one's cards
To use all one's resources.
Last updated August 10, 2026