A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

Note: 
The expression does not fully correlate in meaning with
the phrase play one’s part—(also: do one’s part) 
1
. = play a part
1
: He not only played his part in shaping the organization,
but he also did what might be termed important field work
for it. 2. do what is required of one: Soliah played her part well
before the media, speaking of her relief and her gratitude to
friends and neighbors.
play the part—
1
. = play a part 2: Easton played the part of
an aspiring singer with a humble background that prevents
her from achieving her dream. 2. perform the function of other
things: Banks which had adopted the gold exchange standard
will become dependent on the banks which play the part of
gold centers.
play against time • play for time
play against time —do smth. so as to finish one’s task before
the expiry of a certain period: “You’re playing against time
and the elements,” he said, recounting the rescue in a phone
interview.
play for time —delay action or a decision in the hope that
conditions will be more favorable later on: This skepticism is
influenced by suspicions that they will not bargain seriously
and merely play for time.
play at bears • play the bear
play at bears —(of little children) engage in a game of bears:
You can play at bears in the nursery when we get back, if you
want.
play the bear —(coll.) cause a good deal of trouble or bother
to a person: Chaps that have got something on their minds
can’t stand idleness, it plays the bear with them.
play at something • play on something
play at something —
1
. (of children) engage in a specified
game: Nana had turned on the water for Michael’s bath. The
two older children were playing at being mother and father.
2. perform smth. in a not very serious manner: It’s no good
playing at business, you have to take it seriously. 3. fill a par-
ticular position in a sports team: Vasquez played at center for-
ward and center midfield … and he led the team in goals
scored.
play on something —
1
. perform on a musical instrument: I’m
no longer aware that I’m playing on a violin; I’m just express-
ing myself. 2. make use or advantage of smb.’s feelings: By
playing on the old lady’s fears, the criminals were able to per-
suade her to give them her money. 3. emit light, a jet of water
from a hose, etc. onto a surface: Searchlights played on the
river upstream to light up any floating mines. 4. make clever
use of some aspect of a particular word or idea, often for a
humorous effect: Arbuthnot’s satire plays on the idea of society
as a human body.