ENGLISH
REFERENCE

play to win

idiom
Meaning

To make a special, determined effort to achieve general success or a particular goal, in life, in one's career, in negotiation, etc.


Examples
SIMPLE

She always plays to win in every game.

CONTEXTUAL

If you want to get that promotion, you need to stop being passive and start playing to win.

COMPLEX

The seasoned negotiator entered the room with a clear strategy, signaling to his opponents that he was there to play to win.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    child's play

    Something particularly easy or simple.

  2. 02

    go play in the traffic

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

  3. 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.

  4. 04

    hold-up play

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

  5. 05

    not win for losing

    To repeatedly fail in one's gambles or efforts.

  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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