How to Pronounce "play possum"
expression
ˈpɫeɪ/ /ˈpɑsəm
PLAY PAH-sum
plˈeɪ/ /pˈɒsəm
play POS-um
Definition
To pretend to be dead or asleep, or to act like you do not notice something happening, usually to avoid trouble or attention.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈpɫeɪ/ /ˈpɑsəm
British English
plˈeɪ/ /pˈɒsəm
Simplified Pronunciation
US
PLAY PAH-sum
UK
play POS-um
Listen in Context
When the dog barked, the cat decided to play possum.
Sometimes, children play possum to avoid eating vegetables.
He tried to play possum when his mother called him to clean his room.
She just played possum when her boss asked who was responsible for the mistake.