play in

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

play in (third-person singular simple present plays in, present participle playing in, simple past and past participle played in)

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see play,‎ in.

   The children are playing in the sandpit.

2. (cricket, reflexive, play oneself in) Of a batsman, to settle and become comfortable with the conditions at the beginning of his innings.
3. (soccer, transitive) To pass (someone) the ball into an attacking position.
   • 2011 January 18, “Wolverhampton 5 - 0 Doncaster”, in BBC‎:

     Zubar played in Doyle down the Wolves left and his ball into the box evaded several players before falling for Mujangi Bia to finally drive in a second past Neil Sullivan.

   • 2023 March 5, Phil McNulty, “Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United”, in BBC Sport‎:

     Salah bamboozled Lisandro Martinez to play in Gakpo for another classy finish three minutes later before the Egyptian resumed his long-time role of United tormentor by getting on the scoresheet himself.

• alypin, in play, pinlay