played out
play out
1. To do something to completion; to conclude or finish (something). She was determined to play out the game, even though she could barely see out of her right eye. It's anyone's guess who will win at this point. We'll just have to see how the election plays out.
2. To use something until it is finished or has become depleted. Typically used in a passive construction. Be sure to pace yourself, or your energy will be played out before you come close to finishing the race.
3. To slacken and extend a line, as of rope or wire that has been coiled up. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "play" and "out." Would you mind playing the twine out so I can lash the tree to the hood of my car? Make sure you play out enough rope for us to moor the boat.
See also: out, play
played out
No longer relevant, interesting, or exciting, especially due to being overdone or overexposed. It was cute at first, but that whole "quirky nerd" vibe you're going for is totally played out at this point. That song was played out two years ago—why is it still on the radio?
See also: out, play
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
played out
too exhausted to continue. At the end of the race, Donna was played out. After the race, we were played out for the rest of the day.
See also: out, play
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
played out
1. See play out.
2. Exhausted, worn out, as in This was the third trip the mules had made, and they were utterly played out. [Mid-1800s]
See also: out, play
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- a mystery to (one)
- appear to
- able to do
- able to do it
- a change of heart
- a tough cookie
- a tough customer/cookie
- (one) can whistle for it
- be in low spirits
- a turn of phrase