play something ↔ out phrasal verb (see also play)

1. if an event or situation is played out or plays itself out, it happens:
It will be interesting to see how the election plays itself out.

2. if people play out their dreams, feelings etc, they express them by pretending that a particular situation is really happening:
The weekend gives you a chance to play out your fantasies.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

play out
play out (something)
to go through a process.
We're waiting to see how the debate about more education reform will play itself out in the weeks ahead.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

play out something
play out (something)
to go through a process.
We're waiting to see how the debate about more education reform will play itself out in the weeks ahead.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲