How to Pronounce "roll over and play dead"
expression
ROHL-oh-ver and PLAY ded
roh-LOH-ver and play-DED
Definition
Literally, to lie down and pretend to be dead, like some animals do. Figuratively, it means to give up or stop resisting without a fight.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɹoʊɫ/ /ˈoʊvɝ/ /ˈænd/, /ənd/ /ˈpɫeɪ/ /ˈdɛd
British English
ɹˈəʊl/ /ˈəʊvɐ/ /ˈænd/ /plˈeɪ/ /dˈɛd
Simplified Pronunciation
US
ROHL-oh-ver and PLAY ded
UK
roh-LOH-ver and play-DED
Listen in Context
The dog learned to roll over and play dead on command.
Don't just roll over and play dead when things get tough.
Sometimes, it is safer to roll over and play dead in dangerous situations.
He just rolled over and played dead instead of fighting for his rights.