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play along

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play along

 (with someone or something)

1. Lit. to play a musical instrument with someone or a group. The trombonist sat down and began to play along with the others. Do you mind if I play along?

2. Fig. to pretend to cooperate with someone or something in a joke, scam, etc. I decided that I would play along with Larry for a while and see what would happen. I don't think I want to play along.

See also: play

play along (with somebody/something)

to seem to support or be friendly to someone or something He knew that if he didn't play along with the reporters, they would write unpleasant stories about him. I don't really like their idea that much but for now, it is probably a good idea simply to play along.

Related vocabulary: go along (with somebody/something)

See also: play

play along

Cooperate or pretend to cooperate, as in They decided to play along with the robbers, at least for a while. [Colloquial; 1920s]

See also: play

play along

v.

1. To cooperate or pretend to cooperate with someone: We decided to play along with their silly plans for a while. If you don't play along, we'll never get the job done.

2. To accompany someone or something by playing a musical instrument: I listen to the radio and play along with the songs on my guitar.

See also: play