in play

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Prepositional phrase

1. As a joke. [from 14th c.]

   You mustn't take what I said so seriously, it was only said in play.

2. In operation, active, currently valid. [from 17th c.]

   It's hard to tell which physical forces are in play at this altitude.

   This deadly scenario with this hurricane is still in play, so please take precaution.

3. (sport) Available to be played according to the rules of the game in question; within the boundaries of the pitch etc. [from 18th c.]

   The ball is in play for an average of just seven minutes out of a sixty-minute game.

4. (politics) Capable of being won by more than one party or candidate.

   Though the state has not changed hands in 20 years, the latest polls suggest it may now be in play.

5. (business) Open to a takeover bid. [from 20th c.]

   Despite the best efforts of the executive committee, it seems the company is now in play.

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