English idiom

play the field

Register · Informal CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

to date several people without committing to one partner

Word picture

Dating is pictured as a game played across a broad field rather than in one fixed spot.

Example

“After his long relationship ended, Amir decided to play the field for a while.”

Dictionary details

Component words

field

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

level playing field

a fair situation in which no one has an unfair advantage

live and let live

to accept other people's choices without trying to control them

with open arms

with an enthusiastic and affectionate welcome

give someone the eye

to signal romantic or sexual attraction through deliberate glances

save face

to protect one's dignity or public reputation after embarrassment or failure

live in sin

to cohabit romantically without having married

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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