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in play

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*in play

 

1. Lit. [of a ball, in a game] under the effect of the rules of the game. (*Typically: be ~; get back ~; put something back ~.) The ball is in play again and the activity is furious. The ball is not in play yet.

2. Fig. [of a company or its stock] in the process of being bought out by another company. (*Typically: be ~; put something ~.) The company I bought stock in is now in play. This stock is in play.

See also: play

in play

1. In action or operation. For example, A number of conflicting forces were in play, so the outcome was uncertain. It is also put as bring into play, meaning "to put into action," as in The surprise witness brought new evidence into play. [Mid-1600s]

2. In sports, in a position to be legally or feasibly played, as in The ball is now in play. [Late 1700s]

3. In business, in a position for a possible corporate takeover, as in After a news item said the company was in play, the price of its stock began to rise. [Colloquial; second half of 1900s]

See also: play

in play

1. mod. being played; inbounds. (Said of a ball in a game.) The ball’s in play, so you made the wrong move.

2. mod. having to do with a company (or its stock) that is a candidate for acquisition by another company. (Securities markets.) These deal stocks—which are in play right now—offer excellent buying opportunities.

See also: play

in play

1. Sports In a position to be legally or feasibly played: The ball is now in play.

2. In a position, or rumored to be in a position of possible corporate takeover: The company's stock rose in price when it was said to be in play.

See also: play