What is the origin of the idiom "play the market" and when to use it?

The idiom "play the market" originates from the world of finance and investing, particularly in the context of the stock market. The word "play" suggests an element of risk and strategy, implying that investing in the market involves a certain level of skill, knowledge, and calculated decision-making. It is used to describe the act of buying, selling, or trading financial assets, such as stocks, bonds, or commodities, with the goal of making a profit.