make a play for

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 all the emotional and psychological detail like this spilled in “Dynasty: The Murdochs,” it doesn’t make a play for our sympathies or leave us feeling any particular way about these people.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

“Out there on the field, I’m not really realizing what I’m doing. The ball comes my way, I want to make a play for my teammates.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 21, 2023

Perhaps, but surely starring in a $50 million critically acclaimed studio film is valuable too and is the entire reason that those working in obscurity make a play for an Oscar.

From New York Times • Mar. 8, 2023

Much of the content of the letters is about wider issues of diplomacy than simply Mary’s attempts to reclaim the throne of Scotland or make a play for the throne of England, Doran says.

From Scientific American • Feb. 8, 2023

I am going to make a play for you.

From Citizen Bird Scenes from Bird-Life in Plain English for Beginners by Fuertes, Louis Agassiz