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.
Experts say that, in these situations, it is best to lie down and play dead.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 8, 2026
And if you had any other ideas about giving them the slip, wasps will not be fooled by anyone trying to "play dead" said Debugged, a blog by pest control giant Rentokil.
From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2024
The advice is different with a smaller black bear: Don’t play dead.
From National Geographic ● Aug. 17, 2023
When threatened, smaller armadillos roll up in a ball and play dead.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 30, 2023
However, when the grizzly overtakes you, as it most assuredly will, you should fall to the ground and play dead.
From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson
