make a play for
idiom
1
: to try to get (someone or something)
She made a play for the job, but she didn't get it.
2
: to try to start a romantic or sexual relationship with (someone)
He made a play for her.
Examples of make a play for in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Netflix waited a lot longer to make a play for Emilia and spent less to get less.
—
Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025
The Bulldogs did make a play for Fernando Mendoza, who ended up at Indiana, and Kirby Smart could still end up with a transfer quarterback, such as Charlotte’s Deshawn Purdie, who on Monday withdrew from his Florida commitment.
—Seth Emerson, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) is the current No. 2 House Republican, but some members suspect Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) could make a play for the minority leader slot.
—Emily Brooks, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
But his performance didn’t quiet the questions about whether the Ravens should make a play for free agent Ryan Tannehill or look for an upgrade elsewhere at backup quarterback.
—Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic, 5 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for make a play for 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025
The Bulldogs did make a play for Fernando Mendoza, who ended up at Indiana, and Kirby Smart could still end up with a transfer quarterback, such as Charlotte’s Deshawn Purdie, who on Monday withdrew from his Florida commitment.
—Seth Emerson, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) is the current No. 2 House Republican, but some members suspect Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) could make a play for the minority leader slot.
—Emily Brooks, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
But his performance didn’t quiet the questions about whether the Ravens should make a play for free agent Ryan Tannehill or look for an upgrade elsewhere at backup quarterback.
—Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic, 5 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for make a play for
Dictionary Entries Near make a play for
Cite this Entry
“Make a play for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make%20a%20play%20for. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share