play at

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see play, at.

   The band are playing at the Odeon tonight.

2. To pretend to be a different person while playing a game.

   So we played at being pirates for a while.

3. To do something in a manner that lacks seriousness, commitment, or professionalism.

   In my opinion, John only plays at being an author. He hasn't sold more than two magazine articles in as many months.

4. (especially)Used to suggest that someone is doing something very wrong, or incorrectly, usually with the possibility of causing damage or harm.

   Hey! Stop throwing stones at the swans! What on earth do you think you're playing at?

5. (archaic)To play (a game).

1. I don't know how to play golf at all.

   Я зовсім не знаю, як грати в гольф. — zaytsev126

   ruЯ совсем не умею играть в гольф. — Snark

   deIch weiß überhaupt nicht, wie man Golf spielt. — riotlake

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2. Two years ago, I wasn't able to play basketball at all.

   Два роки тому я взагалі не вмів грати у баскетбол. — deniko

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3. Tom plays soccer at school.

   Том грає у школі в футбол. — deniko

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4. The play begins at 2 p.m.

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5. Tom played at local jazz clubs.

   ruТом играл в местных джазовых клубах. — marafon

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irregular