play small
play small · plays small · played small · playing small
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To play for low stakesTo play for low stakes; to aim low; to be unwilling to take risks; to be fearful.
» Donald's band played in small restaurants.
Meaning
1 senses(figuratively)To play for low stakes; to aim low; to be unwilling to take risks; to be fearful.
Near-synonym: play it safe
Examples
4 sentencesDonald's band played in small restaurants.
Get out of the way, I don't play against small fry.
With regard to big inventions, chance has played a very small part.
Tom prefers to play with big balls. In his opinion, only little kids play with small balls.
Translations
2 languagesForms
plays small, playing small, played small, played small| Base form | play small · to play small |
|---|---|
| 3rd person singular | plays small |
| Present participle | playing small |
| Past simple | played small |
| Past participle | played small |
irregular
Synonyms
1 synonymsAntonyms
1 antonymsLessons for this word
3 lessons- A1Present simple — Because it is a verb
- A1Past simple, regular verbs — Because of its past form
- A2Present perfect: introduction — Because of its past participle