play out

If events do this, they happen and develop over time, leading to a particular result.

• Let's see how things play out.
• The crisis played out over several weeks.
• Will the same story play out again?

How to use it: how something plays out (Nobody knows how the situation will play out.); play out in a particular way (Events played out exactly as she expected.)

Similar words: unfold, develop, happen

Common phrases: play out differently, play out slowly, play out naturally

To continue a game until it ends, rather than stopping early.

• Let's play out the game.
• They played out the match despite the rain.
• Will you play this round out before leaving?

How to use it: play something out (Although defeat was certain, she played the match out.)

Similar words: finish, complete

Common phrases: play out games, play something out

To perform music at the end of a show or while people leave.

• The band will play us out.
• A singer played the show out with her latest song.
• Who is playing us out tonight?

How to use it: play someone/something out (The band played us out with a lively tune.); play someone/something out with something (The pianist played the programme out with a gentle melody.)

Common phrases: play someone out, play something out

To gradually let out more rope, fishing line, or similar material so it can reach farther.

• Play out more rope.
• She played out the fishing line as the fish swam away.
• Have you played out enough cable?

How to use it: play something out (He played the rope out slowly as the climber descended.)

Similar words: pay out, let out, feed out

Opposites: reel in

Common phrases: play out rope, play out line, play something out

To compete in a match or series that decides which teams stay in their league.

• The bottom teams must play out.
• Our club played out against last year's champions to stay in the league.
• Which teams will play out at the end of the season?

How to use it: play out against someone (The club will play out against its local rivals to avoid relegation.)

Common phrases: play out again, play someone out

To die.

• Old Tom played out last winter.
• He played out at ninety and was buried beside his wife.
• She feared she would play out before seeing her family again.

Similar words: die, pass away

Common phrases: finally play out, play out peacefully