In action or operation. For example, A number of conflicting forces were in play, so the outcome was uncertain . It is also put as bring into play , meaning “to put into action,” as in The surprise witness brought new evidence into play . [Mid-1600s]

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In sports, in a position to be legally or feasibly played, as in The ball is now in play . [Late 1700s]

"},{"id":"4effa20080539d2858352358","ordinal":3,"source":"american-heritage","text":"

In business, in a position for a possible corporate takeover, as in After a news item said the company was in play, the price of its stock began to rise . [ Colloquial ; second half of 1900s]

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in play

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