# run of play

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/run-of-play
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A passage of play; a series of consecutive moments, considered as a whole.

## Examples

- The home team dominated the run of play during the first half.
- Despite the score being tied, the visitors controlled the run of play for most of the match.
- Although the underdog managed to score a lucky goal, the overall run of play clearly favored the defending champions throughout the entire contest.

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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.