play the game

phrase

: to act according to a code or set of standards

Examples of play the game in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Getting a digital copy of a game works simply by inserting a compatible disc and installing and playing the game. Tom Warren, The Verge, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Play the game.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20the%20game. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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