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play the market

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play the (stock) market

to invest in the stock market. (As if it were a game or as if it were gambling.) Would you rather put your money in the bank or play the market? I've learned my lesson playing the market. I lost a fortune.

See also: market, play

play the market

to try to earn money by buying and selling shares in companies These traders are people who play the market for profit.

See also: market, play

play the market

Trade in securities in order to make money, as in He is always playing the market with only mixed results. This term uses play in the sense of "gamble," a usage dating from about 1500.

See also: market, play