Expression Cards: idiom
242 cards available.
idiom
play a cameo
hacer una breve aparición en una película
Meaning
to make a brief appearance in a film
Example
The director himself **played a cameo** in the movie.
idiom
play a part
tener un papel o influencia en algo
Meaning
to have a role or influence in something
Example
She **played a part** in making the project successful.
idiom
play a pivotal role
jugar un papel importante en algo
Meaning
to play an important part in something
Example
She played a **pivotal role** in the success of the team.
idiom
play a role
tener un papel en algo
Meaning
to have a part in something
Example
Everyone **played a role** in making the show successful.
idiom
play both sides
apoyar a las partes opuestas para obtener ventaja
Meaning
to support opposing parties to gain advantage
Example
Some lobbyists are known to **play both sides** of the issue.
idiom
play by ear
improvisar o decidir sobre la marcha en lugar de seguir un plan fijo
Meaning
to improvise or decide as you go rather than following a fixed plan
Example
We don't have a fixed schedule, so let's just **play it by ear**.
idiom
play devil's advocate
argumentar en contra de una idea para probar cuán fuerte es
Meaning
to argue against an idea to test how strong it is
Example
I don't necessarily disagree, but let me **play devil's advocate** for a moment.
idiom
play dirty
usar métodos deshonestos o injustos para ganar
Meaning
to use unfair or dishonest methods to win
Example
Politicians often **play dirty** during elections.
idiom
play fair
actuar honestamente y tratar a los demás por igual
Meaning
to act honestly and treat others equally
Example
We expect everyone to **play fair** during the competition.
idiom
play God
tomar decisiones que tienen un control extremo sobre la vida o la moralidad
Meaning
to make decisions that have extreme control over life or morality
Example
Some people fear AI researchers are trying to **play God**.
idiom
play hardball
ser firme y duro en la negociación
Meaning
to be firm and tough in negotiation
Example
He decided to **play hardball** during the contract talks.
idiom
play it by ear
decidir o actuar a medida que se desarrolle la situación
Meaning
to decide or act as the situation develops
Example
We’ll **play it by ear** and see what happens.
idiom
Play it safe
evitar tomar riesgos
Meaning
to avoid taking risks
Example
He always **plays it safe** and never tries new things.
idiom
play it straight
ser honesto y directo
Meaning
to be honest and direct
Example
Just **play it straight** and tell them what happened.
idiom
play on someone's emotions
influir en alguien apelando a sus sentimientos
Meaning
to influence someone by appealing to their feelings
Example
The ad tries to **play on people's emotions** to sell products.
idiom
play one's cards close to one's chest
mantener los planes o ideas en secreto
Meaning
to keep one's plans or ideas secret
Example
He always **plays his cards close to his chest** in business.
idiom
play one's cards right
tomar las decisiones correctas para lograr un buen resultado
Meaning
to make the right decisions in order to achieve a good result
Example
If you **play your cards right**, you could get the promotion you want.
idiom
play politics
actuar de manera manipulativa o estratégica para ganar ventaja
Meaning
to act in a manipulative or strategic way to gain advantage
Example
He was accused of trying to **play politics** instead of focusing on the nation’s welfare.
idiom
play second fiddle
tomar un papel subordinado frente a otra persona
Meaning
to take a subordinate role to someone else
Example
He was tired of **playing second fiddle** to his colleague.
idiom
play the field
salir con varias personas o tener relaciones románticas sin compromiso
Meaning
to date or have romantic relationships with many people without commitment
Example
He’s still **playing the field** and not looking for a serious relationship.
idiom
play the political card
utilizar un tema político para beneficio propio
Meaning
to use a political issue to one’s advantage
Example
The minister tried to **play the political card** to gain public sympathy.
idiom
play through the pain
seguir trabajando o actuando a pesar del dolor o la dificultad
Meaning
to keep working or performing despite pain or hardship
Example
Athletes often **play through the pain** to win.
idiom
play to the gallery
tratar de ganar aprobación del público en general en lugar de los expertos
Meaning
to try to gain approval from the general public rather than experts
Example
The politician was clearly **playing to the gallery** with his speech.
idiom
Play with fire
Hacer algo peligroso o arriesgado.
Meaning
To do something dangerous or risky.
Example
You’re **playing with fire** if you invest without research.