Play off against Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈpɫeɪ/ /ˈɔf/ /əˈɡeɪnst/, /əˈɡɛnst

PLAY-awf uh-GAYNST, uh-GENST

UK

plˈeɪ/ /ˈɒf/ /ɐɡˈɛnst

play-OFF uh-GENST

Definition

To encourage competition or conflict between two people or groups, usually to gain an advantage for yourself.

Usage & Nuances

Usually informal or neutral, often used in business or politics. Implies manipulation and seeking leverage by creating rivalry. Common collocations: 'try to play X off against Y', 'playing countries off against each other'. Do not confuse with 'playoff' (sports finals).

• Spanish: enfrentar a - poner en contra de
• Portuguese (BR): colocar contra - colocar em oposição a
• Portuguese (PT): colocar contra - opor
• Chinese (Simplified): 挑拨 - 使对立
• Chinese (Traditional): 挑撥 - 使對立
• Hindi: एक-दूसरे के खिलाफ भड़काना
• Arabic: يُحرض ضد - يُواجه بـ
• Bengali: একজনকে আরেকজনের বিরুদ্ধে লড়তে উসকে দেওয়া - দ্বন্দ্ব সৃষ্টি করা
• Russian: стравливать - натравливать друг на друга
• Japanese: 対立させて利用する - 争わせて操る
• Vietnamese: lợi dụng để đối đầu nhau - xúi giục đối đầu
• Korean: 서로 경쟁하게 만들다 - 서로 갈등을 유도하다
• Turkish: karşı karşıya getirmek - birbirine düşürmek
• Urdu: آپس میں لڑوانا - ایک دوسرے کے خلاف کھیلنا
• Indonesian: lợi dụng để đối đầu - xúi giục cạnh tranh

Example Sentences

Managers sometimes play off against their employees to get better results.

basic

He tried to play off against his parents to get what he wanted.

basic

The company played off against its two suppliers to get a lower price.

basic

Politicians often play off against their opponents to win votes.

natural

Don't let your kids play you off against each other.

natural

They skillfully played off the two teams against each other to secure the best deal.

natural