make a play for
idiom
1
: to try to get (someone or something)
She made a play for the job, but she didn't get it.
2
: to try to start a romantic or sexual relationship with (someone)
He made a play for her.
Examples of make a play for in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The centre-back had little choice but to make a play for the ball, mistiming his challenge and seeing red after a lengthy VAR review.
—
Thom Harris, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
It could be argued this is an attempt by NBC to make a play for a broader audience, bearing in mind that late-night guests tend to overwhelmingly lean to the left of the ideological divide.
—Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Should that happen, New York could make a play for him.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
The most pressing question is whether Boston will make a play for Damian Lillard, who became a free agent after being cut by Milwaukee and clearing waivers.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for make a play for
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Thom Harris, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
It could be argued this is an attempt by NBC to make a play for a broader audience, bearing in mind that late-night guests tend to overwhelmingly lean to the left of the ideological divide.
—Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Should that happen, New York could make a play for him.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
The most pressing question is whether Boston will make a play for Damian Lillard, who became a free agent after being cut by Milwaukee and clearing waivers.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for make a play for
Cite this Entry
“Make a play for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make%20a%20play%20for. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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