play along

play along

1. To play the same song as someone else on one's own instrument. I sang while my uncle played along on the banjo.
2. To cooperate with someone or pretend to do so; to support or agree with something that someone is doing or saying, especially as part of a joke, lie, or scam. Hey, I'm going to play a prank on Jimbo when he comes in. Just play along! I know that school can be boring sometimes, but you just need to play along for a while until college, where you can study things that really interest you.
See also: play
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

play along

 (with someone or something)
1. Lit. to play a musical instrument with someone or a group. The trombonist sat down and began to play along with the others. Do you mind if I play along?
2. Fig. to pretend to cooperate with someone or something in a joke, scam, etc. I decided that I would play along with Larry for a while and see what would happen. I don't think I want to play along.
See also: play
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

play along

Cooperate or pretend to cooperate, as in They decided to play along with the robbers, at least for a while. [Colloquial; 1920s]
See also: play
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

play along

v.
1. To cooperate or pretend to cooperate with someone: We decided to play along with their silly plans for a while. If you don't play along, we'll never get the job done.
2. To accompany someone or something by playing a musical instrument: I listen to the radio and play along with the songs on my guitar.
See also: play
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • accompany (one) on a/(one's) journey
  • accompany on a journey
  • attend to
  • a stranger to (someone or something)
  • be out of (one's) league
  • be out of somebody's league
  • be in bad with (someone)
  • (one) puts (one's) pants on one leg at a time
  • bargain
  • bargain for (someone or something) with (someone)
References in periodicals archive
Simply pick up your gamecard at any WH Smith high street store and then play along every day until Friday, April 20, 2012.
PLUS pounds 10,000 of prizes cash to be won
Play along with the arrangements of Ames on all the classics with this book and CD package.
Directory of new music & instructional materials
"I want stooges who are happy to play along, not victims."
Graham is all talk; TELLY
The programme, to be launched on November 24, will give TV viewers the chance to play along with the quiz.
BT's final answer
You have to learn the music they are interested in and encourage them to play along to records.
MY MUSICAL EDUCATION; DANIEL RACHEL Singer/Songwriter
Walking in on an arrangement, a plot, a conspiracy (a "joint effort toward a particular end," according to Webster), we have to choose: either denounce it or play along. That choice may be based on our perception of the conspiracy's extent, and of which course is most likely to benefit us, or allow us to survive.
Ted Byfield and Lincoln Tobier
With your paper today you can claim a free bingo game card from WHSmith High Street stores to play along with our fantastic new bingo game.
Free Bingo GAME CARD; Pick up at High Street stores today
An accompanying CD provides the opportunity for students to play along. The volume would have benefited from some kind of preface stating the intent and uses of this book (not for beginning students, whose time might be spent more wisely studying actual transcriptions of these artists), as well as a statement that these are original compositions by Noble.
Jazz Piano: an In-Depth Look at the Styles of the Masters
They play along the line between familiarity and unfamiliarity.
Guido Geelen
Intense listening is crucial, since the coach is expected not only to play along with the singer, but also provide feedback--to tell the singer what he hears: what is good, what needs improvement.
What is vocal coaching?
David Lubliner, marketing manager for LeapFrog Toys, says: "Kids will love to play along with Scout in our new line of learning toys.
Puppy love made easy; KIDS
Included with the piano are two headphone jacks, MIDI terminals (In/Out) and an AUX IN terminal, allowing an external source, such as a sound module or CD player, to be connected so the performer can play along with a favorite recording artist.
Meisel introduces digital tuner/metronome combination. (Music Marketplace)
who is 41 at You can play along as McBookie.com are on Twitter asking you for a first-scorer tip on SFL games.
THE PARKSIE CHALLENGE
It's one thing to indulge your partner in a fetish that you're willing to play along with.
Your Life: Dear Miriam - Spanking fetish a weal turn-off; ADVICE
Visitors will be able to play along with the plot of the programme and pick up clues from the website.
Amy's i: NEW NET