play to your strengths

play to (one's) strengths

1. To prioritize using one's natural abilities and specific skills, especially by pursuing tasks or goals suited to such skills. After his disappointing Western-themed family drama, it's nice to see the director once again playing to her strengths with a film grounded in humor and wit.
2. To put one in a position that allows them to best use their natural abilities and specific skills. We're going to have everyone try out the different positions on the field so we can find everyone a role that plays to their strengths.
See also: play, strength
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

play to your ˈstrengths

give your attention and effort to things that you do well; give somebody the opportunity to do this: Each member of the team should have a task that plays to their strengths.
See also: play, strength
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • play to (one's) strengths
  • talk big
  • blocking and tackling
  • keep in training
  • training
  • triple threat
  • ability
  • to the best of (one's) ability
  • to the best of ability
  • be not just a pretty face
References in periodicals archive
Play to your strengths. "When he gets his confidence back and plays to his strengths, he'll be okay."
Ole has instilled belief in Rashford, says Cole
Kevin Keegan believes the current Liverpool side are adopting the same policy as he implemented with the 'Entertainers' at Newcastle United: play to your strengths and attempt to simply out-score the opposition.
Kevin Keegan believes Liverpool have adopted a policy he implemented with his Newcastle Entertainers; Newcastle United came close to winning the title under Kevin Keegan in 1995/96 playing an attacking brand of football
It's all about playing to your strengths and whatever people you have on the pitch, you've got to play to your strengths.
It might not be your ideal philosophy but it's a better philosophy to play to your strengths than your weaknesses.
All United fans really long for is top-four finish
Whichever players you have on the pitch, you must play to your strengths.
Big Sam might chuckle, but United are playing to their strengths.. and it's enough for the Champions League
"You've got to play to your strengths and when you have the likes of Wilkinson, Flood, Noon, Burke and Tait in your team then you are obviously going to try to play, because that is one of the strengths of our team ( but it's also the way I think the game should be played.
Fletcher: Top flight unfair to England
To me it means: play to your strengths; first things first; sell what people are buying; be relevant!
Personality
A resounding, long overdue victory and a more serious application of the same thinking - play to your strengths - when analysing the stock market this week.
Playing to my strengths meant I was not tempted by a high dividend yield; ICI: What seemed a good deal proved less endearing after a little investigation into the company's debts
MANCHESTER, N.H.-It's always good to play to your strengths. Carpet One acquired the Lees For Life brand name, a well-established brand for carpet, from Burlington in 1999.
CARPET ONE PUTS LIFE INTO LAMINATES
However, to play to your strengths, you must know your weaknesses.
Rule #2: Play to your strength. Notice that this rule does not eliminate any of your weaknesses.
Getting the best of the competition
"Everyone wants to play attractive free flowing football but sometimes you have to play to your strengths," said Fahey.
INJURED LEE GETS A BIT OF NEEDLE
Play to your strengths by identifying the areas in which you can out-perform the opposition.
Trading places from client to consultant
"You have to play to your strengths and Michael's a big strength for us.
FOOTBALL: SCHOLES NOT SURE SVEN HE'LL SCORE