# play to win

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/play-to-win
Updated: 2026-08-10

## 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

- 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.

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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.