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play at

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play at something

to pretend to be doing something. You are not fixing the car, you are just playing at repair work! Stop playing at doing the dishes and get the job done.

See also: play

play at something

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

See also: play

play at

Do or take part in half-heartedly, as in She was just playing at keeping house, letting the others do all the work. [Mid-1800s]

See also: play

play at

v.

1. To pretend to be or to do something for amusement or out of curiosity: He was just playing at being a cowboy.

2. To do or take part in something halfheartedly: You're playing at your work and not taking it seriously enough.

See also: play