play the part
idiom
: to act the part of (a particular character) in a film, play, etc.
He often plays the part of the villain.
—often used figurativelyI've played the part of (the) devoted wife and mother, and now I want to do something more with my life.
He was playing the part of (the) gracious host.
Examples of play the part in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This year will also see a special award for wheelchair user Marissa Bode who was authentically cast to play the part of Nessarose in the film adaptation of Wicked.
—
Gus Alexiou, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
The actor is the third to play the part following Evans and Michael B. Jordan, both of whom went on to have different iconic roles in Marvel movies.
—Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Once the bait was sorted, the team chose its test subjects, the microorganisms chosen to play the part of aliens were extremophile bacteria.
—Ars Technica, 12 Feb. 2025
Trying to play the part of the IT shadow tough guy in his interrogation, Pembroke easily sees through the ruse.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 4 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play the part
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Gus Alexiou, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
The actor is the third to play the part following Evans and Michael B. Jordan, both of whom went on to have different iconic roles in Marvel movies.
—Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Once the bait was sorted, the team chose its test subjects, the microorganisms chosen to play the part of aliens were extremophile bacteria.
—Ars Technica, 12 Feb. 2025
Trying to play the part of the IT shadow tough guy in his interrogation, Pembroke easily sees through the ruse.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 4 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play the part
Cite this Entry
“Play the part.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20the%20part. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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