play at something phrasal verb (see also play)

1. What is somebody playing at? British English spoken used when you do not understand what someone is doing or why they are doing it, and you are surprised or annoyed:
What do you think you’re playing at?

2. if you play at doing something, you do not do it properly or seriously
play at doing something
He’s still playing at being an artist.

3. British English if children play at doctors, soldiers etc, they pretend to be doctors, soldiers etc
play at being something
a 14-year-old playing at being a grown woman

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

play at
play at (something)
to pretend to do something.
The two men thought they might trick their guards by playing at sleep.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

play at something
play at (something)
to pretend to do something.
The two men thought they might trick their guards by playing at sleep.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲