play (something) with (one)

play (something) with (one)

1. To play a game or engage in a sport with one. I grew up playing board games with my family, so I've always had a fondness for them. Do you want to go play basketball with me later?
2. To act or assume a role or persona with someone. Samantha has a reputation of playing the fool with our teacher. I know you want to play the hero with your employees, but don't promise them things you can't deliver.
See also: play
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

play something with someone or something

 
1. to play a game with someone or a group. Do you want to play checkers with me? Fran played ball with the dog for a while.
2. to assume a particular role with someone or some group. Don't play the fool with me! Don always tried to play the successful entrepreneur with the board of directors.
See also: play

play with someone or something

 
1. to play games with someone or a group. I love to play Ping-Pong. Will you play with me? They won't play with our team. We are too good.
2. to toy with someone or something. You are just playing with me. Can't you take me seriously? Please don't play with that crystal vase.
See also: play
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

play with

v.
1. To engage in a sport, game, or other recreation with someone: I played chess with my brother until midnight.
2. To amuse or distract oneself by manipulating something: He sat playing with a rubber band throughout the lecture.
3. To jest with someone: I was just playing with you when I said I was angry.
4. To tamper with something: Someone played with my computer while I was gone.
5. To treat something casually or without seriousness; flirt with something: She played with the idea of going back to college.
6. To experiment with something: He played with many different hairstyles before choosing one he liked.
7. To manipulate or arrange something in a skillful manner: I like the way your poem plays with language.
See also: play
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.

play with (oneself)

Vulgar Slang
To masturbate.
See also: play
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • play with
  • play around
  • have a soft spot for
  • have a soft spot for (someone or something)
  • have a soft spot for or an animal
  • have a soft spot for somebody/something
  • have a soft spot for someone/something
  • soft spot
  • a soft spot
  • battle