Play a trick (on somebody)

When you 'play a trick', you deceive or perform a practical joke on somebody.

• Yesterday, I was sure I saw Luke in a shop as I drove past, but my eyes clearly played a trick on me because he is in Australia at the moment.
• I was so excited when I got a phone call from somebody offering me a job, but it turned out to be my friend playing a trick on me.

Playing conditions

The collocation 'playing conditions' refers to the state of an environment or situation in which a sporting activity is performed.

Examples

• The game had to be cancelled. The ice on the field had made for unsafe playing conditions.
• I found the heat during my tennis match to be unbearable. Considering the adverse playing conditions, I think I performed quite well.

Play dumb

If you 'play dumb', you pretend to be ignorant about something.

Examples

• I'm not supposed to know that the merger is going ahead, so if anyone asks me about it I will just play dumb.
• Don't play dumb with me - I know you tried to put the blame on me for what happened!
• Paul says that he has no clue who took the money from the table. I'm not sure if he's telling the truth or just playing dumb.

Play sport(s)

To 'play sports' means to take part in a competitive physical activity.

Examples

• When I'm not working, I like to play sports, particularly football and rugby.
• My ambition was to play sport at the highest level, but I just lacked the necessary athletic ability.
• I'm planning to play a sport when I go to university. I'm not sure which one yet, though.

Role-play

'Role play' means to imitate the character and behaviour of somebody else, usually for the purposes of understanding or entertainment.

Examples

• To prepare for my big job interview, I did a role-play with my friend where he pretended to be the interviewer and asked me questions.
• We do role-play in the training course so staff can put themselves in the shoes of the customers or boss when dealing with certain situations.
• I like role-playing games. They allow you to select a character which you then control in a fictional setting.