in play

IPA/ɪn plˈeɪ/
IPA/ɪn plˈeɪ/

in play — idiom

1. describes a ball that is inside the boundary lines and may still be hit, kicked,

1.慣用語B2
釋義

describes a ball that is inside the boundary lines and may still be hit, kicked, or struck during a game, so the action has not stopped.

例句

The referee blew his whistle, but the ball was still in play near the corner flag.

the ball is in play during active game time

Sofia raced down the wing while the ball stayed in play along the white line.

同義詞
  • live

    'a live ball' is the more technical term used in rule books

反義詞
  • out of play

    the ball has left the legal area and play stops

文法句型

the ball is in play

keep the ball in play

用法筆記

Used mainly in sports such as football, tennis, and baseball. Contrast with 'out of play', when the ball has crossed a boundary and the action pauses.

常見錯誤

❌The player kicked the ball in play to his teammate.
✅The player kicked the ball, which was still in play, to his teammate.
💡'in play' describes the ball's status, not the direction of a kick.

2. describes a plan, option, or thing that is still active in a situation, so peopl

2.慣用語C1
釋義

describes a plan, option, or thing that is still active in a situation, so people can still choose it, use it, or be affected by it.

例句

By the end of the budget meeting, only Yael's two cost-cutting plans were still in play.

X is in play = still a live option

Vivek told reporters that a summer move to another club was now in play.

同義詞
  • on the table

    also means still available as an option, slightly more about formal offers

  • at stake

    stresses that something could be won or lost, not just chosen

反義詞

文法句型

X is in play

remain in play

用法筆記

Common in business, politics, and sports reporting. The subject is usually a plan, option, factor, or asset that has not yet been ruled out or settled.

常見錯誤

❌Christopher is in play for the new job.
✅Christopher is still a candidate for the new job.
💡for people being considered, use 'in the running' or 'a candidate'; 'in play' suits options, factors, or assets.