play at

English

Verb

play at (third-person singular simple present plays at, present participle playing at, simple past and past participle played at)

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see play,‎ at.

   The band are playing at the Odeon tonight.

2. To pretend to be a different person while playing a game.

   So we played at being pirates for a while.

3. To do something in a manner that lacks seriousness, commitment, or professionalism.

   In my opinion, John only plays at being an author. He hasn't sold more than two magazine articles in as many months.

   • 2015, Andrew O'Hagan, The Illuminations, →ISBN, page 94:

     'You don't like him, Capatin, do you?' 'No, I don't. He plays at being loyal'

4. (especially in rhetorical questions) Used to suggest that someone is doing something very wrong, or incorrectly, usually with the possibility of causing damage or harm.

   Hey! Stop throwing stones at the swans! What on earth do you think you're playing at?

5. (archaic) To play (a game).

Anagrams

• at play