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to play on
[phrase form: play]
01
to take advantage of someone's feelings or weaknesses
Transitive: to play on someone's feelings or weaknesses
02
to continue playing, especially in sports, games, or performances
Intransitive
03
to continue over time
Intransitive
play on
v
Example
The politician played on the fears of the public to garner support for his policies.
The motivational speaker played on the audience's desire for success to sell his books and courses.
The film played on our emotions, using touching flashbacks and heartwarming moments.
The charity commercial played on viewers' compassion by showing heart-wrenching images of those in need.
Scammers often play on the elderly's trust and lack of tech knowledge to deceive them.
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