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to play off
[phrase form: play]
01
to pretend not to be affected by a certain emotion or reaction
Examples
She tried to play off her disappointment when she did n't win the award.
The comedian's joke did n't land, but he played it off by making fun of his own joke.
02
to set people or teams against each other in competition or rivalry for one's own advantage
Examples
The coach will play the two best players off to determine who gets the starting position.
After the initial rounds, they decided to play the finalists off next Saturday.
03
to compete in an extra game to decide the winner of a tied competition
Examples
Because they had the same points at the end of the season, the teams had to play it off to see who would advance.
The two teams will play off on Saturday to decide the league champion.
play off
01
free of ice and open to travel
