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play fair

idiom

: to play according to the rules
He claims that his opponent wasn't playing fair.

Examples of play fair in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It’s been taken down from all streaming platforms because the industry still doesn’t want to play fair. Chris Willman, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025 It’s been taken down from all streaming platforms because the industry still doesn’t want to play fair. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025 Her father’s second-in-command, the handsome Jack Dean, insists family members play fair in obeying their father’s will. Lorraine Berry, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025 In a fair fight, the immune system would wipe out cancer every time – but this crafty disease doesn’t play fair. Michael Irving, New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2024 On the field of love, play fair (and) ask for consent. Mark Zeigler, The Mercury News, 26 July 2024 China does not play fair with government subsidies, IP, labor or tariffs. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2024 In short, celebrities didn’t play fair for the 2023 Fashion Awards this go-round. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 5 Dec. 2023 Mitt Romney once complained that Barack Obama didn’t play fair. James Taranto, wsj.com, 24 Apr. 2023

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Cite this Entry

“Play fair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20fair. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.

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