play (it) smart

phrase

: to make good decisions

If you play (it) smart, you should be able to graduate in four years.

Examples of play (it) smart in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bennett routinely builds elite defensive teams that dominate on the glass and play smart basketball. — Cj Moore, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026

Thursday, the Red Wings managed to play smart hockey without sacrificing their aggressiveness. — Max Bultman, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025

The Golden Bear emphasized Scheffler's ability to play smart with a lead, something Nicklaus mastered over decades. — Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025

Now, the political and operational initiative — with the right to legitimate defense — is held by the party that both knows how to play it smart and avoids indiscriminate fire. — Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025

There’s a chance Dončić just tries to play smart, team basketball and continue to build chemistry with his new teammates. — Zach Harper, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025

At the beginning of the season, Mayo was confident wins would come as the season wore on because his team would play smart football and dominate defensively. — Chad Graff, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024

The Bruins, now 12-0 with three wins over top-20 teams, play smart and savvy basketball, period. — Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2023