play the market

play the market

To buy and sell equity securities and company shares with the aim of making a profit. I got rich playing the market in the early 2000s, but I got greedy and ended up losing nearly everything.
See also: market, play
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

play the (stock) market

to invest in the stock market. (As if it were a game or as if it were gambling.) Would you rather put your money in the bank or play the market? I've learned my lesson playing the market. I lost a fortune.
See also: market, play
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

play the market

Trade in securities in order to make money, as in He is always playing the market with only mixed results. This term uses play in the sense of "gamble," a usage dating from about 1500.
See also: market, play
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

play the market

speculate in stocks.
See also: market, play
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

play the ˈmarket

buy and sell stocks and shares in order to make a profit: He’s been playing the market for 30 years, but is quick to warn people of the risks involved.
See also: market, play
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • aim to do
  • take aim
  • take aim (at someone or something
  • take aim at
  • take aim at somebody/something
  • laugh with (something)
  • line (one's) (own) pocket(s)
  • line one's pockets
  • line your /somebody's pocket
  • line your pockets
References in periodicals archive
CHARITY TOTE PICK 6 SELECTIONS 3 Simon Gray 1.45 Naas 8 Dara Tango 11 Moyaliff 12 Play The Market 4 Baby Whizz 2.15 6 Sportsmaster 4 Rathlin 2.55 1 Felix Yonger 3.25 6 Joxer 1 Tranquil Sea 4.05 3 Seabass 2 Beckett Rock 4.35 8 One In A MilanRecommended perm; 64 lines at EUR1 a line, total stake EUR64
Cheltenham-bound Felix a major player under Ruby; BRIAN FLEMING FOCUS ON TODAY'S TOTE PICK 6 RACES
Smart investors know that using a full-service stockbroker can be a mighty expensive way to play the market. Fortunately, there are a number of excellent ways to invest in stocks without paying big commissions.
How to turn $100 into a six-figure nest egg
Remember, you have to be above average to play the market timing game.
Con: tactical asset allocation: a sure-fire investment technique or just a fad?
The decision flew in the face of the principal of unrestricted trade on which Betfair made its reputation and was criticised by some clients, who wanted to play the market amid the confusion.
Cycling: Betfair relief for backers of shamed duo
Schools registering will play the market from October to June 2004.
STUDENTS PLAY THE MARKET
The one common tie between gambler and investor that does exist, on the surface at least, is in their mutual love of value and for those that want to play the market, finding value or edge has to be taken to as high a level as is possible.
`Many traders eke out small arbitrages for decent levels of income'
SHARE dabblers who play the market on computers by following internet tips were told yesterday: "Don't believe all you see on screen."
BEWARE NET SHARE TIPS
All three firms who play the market quote Wasps scrum-half Rob Howley.
Rugby Union: Wasps quartet the key to profits
Barron's cited Goldman Sachs Group as a possible target for bargain hunters in an edition on Sunday dedicated to "How to play the markets" after the Brexit vote.
Wall Street Futures Lower On Brexit Concerns
Offering a personal look into wall street and the people who play the markets, "Confessions of a Wall Street Whiz Kid" is a solid and much recommended pick for community library economics and memoir collections.
The Economic Studies Shelf
Mike Baghdady will give 10 lucky candidates pounds 100,000 each to play the markets and make as much profit as possible.
pounds 1m contest to find City Apprentices
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) said banks may have to remove serious obstacles to an orderly wind-down - such as risky "proprietary" trading arms where banks play the markets with their own cash.
Retail banking to be separated - FSA; ECONOMY TODAY: BANKS
Ben has been dabbling in stocks and shares as fire-fighter Recall in ITV's long-running series and decided to play the markets for real.
SUNDAY TV: TODAY'S Highlights