play dead

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.

Mr Godino tells me they play dead when they feel under threat.

From BBC • Nov. 9, 2025

But the snakes of Golem Grad island — whose main predators are birds — often play dead.

From New York Times • May 7, 2024

The advice is different with a smaller black bear: Don’t play dead.

From National Geographic • Aug. 17, 2023

Far more effective are the re-creations of Sammy’s earliest cinematic efforts, when he learns the rudiments of staging, filming and editing, and gains confidence ordering his Boy Scout troop to play dead.

From Washington Post • Nov. 21, 2022

You can pick it up on a stick, and it’ll still play dead.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck