play (oneself) in

play (oneself) in

To become accustomed to or comfortable with a particular action or situation. Used especially in reference sports and athletes. Primarily heard in UK. The rookie goalkeeper had to enter the game after the starter went out with a hamstring injury, and he just never had a chance to play himself in.
See also: play
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

play in something

 
1. to play a musical instrument in some musical organization. I used to play in a band. I wanted to play in the orchestra but I wasn't good enough.
2. [for someone] to play the action of a game in a particular position or location. Fred played in left field for the rest of the game. I will play in the backfield for the rest of the game.
3. to perform in a specific production. She played in the Broadway production of Major Barbara. Once, I played in The Mikado.
See also: play
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

play yourself in

become accustomed to the circumstances and conditions of a game or activity; get into a rhythm or pattern of working or performing. British
See also: play
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • play in
  • play yourself in
  • be a square peg
  • be a square peg (in a round hole)
  • settle in
  • settle in(to) (something or some place)
  • settle into
  • square peg in a round hole
  • a round peg in a square hole
  • a square peg in a round hole