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.
For years, wildlife experts advised people attacked by black bears to fight back, while recommending that anyone confronted by a much larger grizzly lie still and play dead.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 8, 2026
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
With grizzlies, avoid eye contact and play dead in the event of an attack.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 22, 2022
Local car salesmen wanted to roll over and play dead when one of the Langley fellas pulled into the lot, fearing a barrage of nonsensical and unanswerable technical questions.
From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly
