Play off Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈpɫeɪ/ /ˈɔf

PLAY-awf

UK

plˈeɪ/ /ˈɒf

PLAY-of

Definition

To compete in a game or match to decide a winner, especially after a tie; or to take advantage of something (like a situation or another person's qualities) for your own benefit.

Usage & Nuances

'Play off' as a noun or verb is common in sports ("a play-off match"). As a phrasal verb, 'play off' against/about means to use one thing or person against another for advantage. Informal in advantage sense; more formal and frequent in sports context.

• Spanish: desempatar - partido de desempate - sacar ventaja de (aprovecharse de)
• Portuguese (BR): desempatar - partida de desempate - tirar proveito de
• Portuguese (PT): desempatar - jogo de desempate - tirar partido de
• Chinese (Simplified): 加赛 - 利用（利用他人/情况）
• Chinese (Traditional): 加賽 - 利用（利用他人/情況）
• Hindi: निर्णायक मैच - फायदा उठाना
• Arabic: فاصل (مباراة فاصلة) - يستغل (يستفيد من)
• Bengali: প্লে-অফ - খেলা করা (ফয়সালা করার জন্য) - কাউকে কারো বিরুদ্ধে ব্যবহার করা
• Russian: сыграть плей-офф - использовать (кого-либо против кого-либо)
• Japanese: プレーオフをする - 利用する（人や状況を）
• Vietnamese: thi đấu loại trực tiếp - lợi dụng (ai/cái gì đối lập nhau)
• Korean: 플레이오프를 하다 - (사람/상황을) 이용하다
• Turkish: play-off oynamak - birini/bir şeyi diğerine karşı kullanmak
• Urdu: پلے آف کھیلنا - کسی کو یا کسی صورتحال کو دوسرے کے خلاف استعمال کرنا
• Indonesian: bertanding play-off - memanfaatkan (seseorang/situasi)

Example Sentences

The teams will play off to decide the champion.

basic

We need to play off because the score is tied.

basic

She tried to play off her coworkers against each other.

basic

It's been a long season—now it's time for the top four to play off for the title.

natural

He loves to play off his charm when meeting new people.

natural

Politicians sometimes play off one group against another to gain support.

natural