play the part
idiom
: to act the part of (a particular character) in a film, play, etc.
He often plays the part of the villain.
—often used figurativelyI've played the part of (the) devoted wife and mother, and now I want to do something more with my life.
He was playing the part of (the) gracious host.
Examples of play the part in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As nations prepare to gather in Belém, Brazil, for the negotiations, which begin on Thursday with the leaders summit, the US is set to play the part of the elephant in the room.
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Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
In live performances of the indie pop hit, Role Model has often invited a fan, another musician, or some other special guest to play the part of Sally.
—William Vaillancourt, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2025
And Jackie said, ‘Kristin, play the part.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
Reigns will play the part of the antagonist Akuma in the film, which premieres Oct. 16, 2026.
—Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play the part
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Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
In live performances of the indie pop hit, Role Model has often invited a fan, another musician, or some other special guest to play the part of Sally.
—William Vaillancourt, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2025
And Jackie said, ‘Kristin, play the part.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
Reigns will play the part of the antagonist Akuma in the film, which premieres Oct. 16, 2026.
—Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play the part
Cite this Entry
“Play the part.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20the%20part. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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