General Play:
* Play it safe: To avoid risks.
* Play it by ear: To improvise or decide as you go along.
* Play hard to get: To act uninterested in someone to make them more interested.
* Play for time: To delay something.
* Play fair: To follow the rules and be honest.
* Play your cards right: To act strategically to achieve a desired outcome.
* Play the field: To date or be involved with multiple people.
* Play up to someone: To flatter someone or try to win their favor.
Play as an Activity:
* Play a part: To act in a play or film.
* Play a trick on someone: To deceive someone.
* Play with fire: To engage in risky or dangerous behavior.
* Play second fiddle: To be less important than someone else.
* Play your hand: To use your resources or skills to your advantage.
Play in Music & Games:
* Play a tune: To perform music on an instrument.
* Play a game: To participate in a game.
* Play the game: To conform to the rules and norms of a particular situation.
* Play your hand: To use your resources or skills to your advantage (often used in card games).
* Play the odds: To take a chance on something.
Other Phrases:
* Play on words: To use puns or wordplay.
* Play with fire: To engage in risky or dangerous behavior.
* Play the role of: To act as someone or something.
* Play the fool: To act silly or pretend to be stupid.
* Play up a storm: To perform with great energy and enthusiasm.
These are just a few examples, and the meaning of the phrase often depends on the context. You can also use "play" as a verb in many different ways, such as "play the piano," "play basketball," or "play a joke on someone."