play off
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Some play off a character’s propriety, all profit from the actor’s charm — which might be turned to evil ends but remain, for the viewer, you know, charming.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026
And how much I wanted the audience to be able to see within the con, and what I wanted to play off perfectly to make the audience feel like they were a little bit tricked.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026
It doesn’t help that the vice presidents constantly runs down his wife in speeches, comments he tries to play off as jokes, but which are too hard-edged to sell as jovial.
From Salon ● Jul. 29, 2026
As England try to get their game right on the pitch, the games they play off the field are performing a key role in team bonding.
From BBC ● Jun. 26, 2026
European microorganisms were slow to penetrate the Yucatan Peninsula, where most of the Maya polities were too small to readily play off against each other.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
