In/out of play
phrase
Refers to whether a ball in a game such as football, rugby, or tennis is within the legally defined area of play.
The ball is in play as soon as it is kicked or hit.
Often appears as...
- ball is in play
- keep the ball in play
phrase
Refers to something that is a possible or acceptable option.
The idea was initially dismissed but is now back in play.
Often appears as...
- option is in play
- idea is back in play
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Refers to whether a wicket in cricket is open to attack.
He is waiting for the ball to be back in play.
Often appears as...
- ball is back in play
- wicket is out of play
phrase
Refers to a player who is eligible to play in a sports match.
After recovering from his injury, the rugby player is back in play.
Often appears as...
- player is back in play
- he is out of play
phrase
Refers to whether a ball in a game such as football, rugby, or tennis is within the legally defined area of play.
The ball is in play as soon as it is kicked or hit.
Often appears as...
- ball is in play
- keep the ball in play
phrase
Refers to something that is a possible or acceptable option.
The idea was initially dismissed but is now back in play.
Often appears as...
- option is in play
- idea is back in play
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Refers to whether a wicket in cricket is open to attack.
He is waiting for the ball to be back in play.
Often appears as...
- ball is back in play
- wicket is out of play
phrase
Refers to a player who is eligible to play in a sports match.
After recovering from his injury, the rugby player is back in play.
Often appears as...
- player is back in play
- he is out of play
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/3Game Status
Specifically used to describe if the ball is still within the boundaries of the game area.
The referee declared the ball out of play after it crossed the sideline.
Pro Tip 2/3Restart Trigger
Play stops when the ball is 'out of play', showing you when the game is paused.
The match resumes once the ball is back in play.
Pro Tip 3/3Action Continuation
Indicates the continuous movement or participation of the ball in the game.
Players kept the ball in play despite the heavy rain.
Pro Tip 1/3Game Status
Specifically used to describe if the ball is still within the boundaries of the game area.
The referee declared the ball out of play after it crossed the sideline.
Pro Tip 2/3Restart Trigger
Play stops when the ball is 'out of play', showing you when the game is paused.
The match resumes once the ball is back in play.
Pro Tip 3/3Action Continuation
Indicates the continuous movement or participation of the ball in the game.
Players kept the ball in play despite the heavy rain.
Pro Tip 1/3Game Status
Specifically used to describe if the ball is still within the boundaries of the game area.
The referee declared the ball out of play after it crossed the sideline.
Pro Tip 2/3Restart Trigger
Play stops when the ball is 'out of play', showing you when the game is paused.
The match resumes once the ball is back in play.
Pro Tip 3/3Action Continuation
Indicates the continuous movement or participation of the ball in the game.
Players kept the ball in play despite the heavy rain.
Never forget "In/out of play"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension