Play the market

usgb
verb

To buy and sell shares or other financial products, especially by trying to guess which way prices will go in order to make a profit.

He invested his earnings in real estate as well as playing the market.
Visual representation of "play the market" - To buy and sell shares or other financial products, especially by trying to guess which way prices will go in order to make a profit.

Often appears as...

  • play the stock market
  • play the commodities market

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "play the market"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Financial Risk

This phrase often suggests the possibility of losing money, reflecting the uncertainty in market investments.

Illustration for Financial Risk
Even after losing some savings last year, Uncle Joe still likes to play the market.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal Language

'Play the market' is casual; in professional settings, phrases like 'invest in the stock market' are more common.

Illustration for Informal Language
At the dinner party, they bragged about how they play the market.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal Play

While 'play' usually means sport or fun, here it means engaging in the market with serious financial intent.

Illustration for Not Literal Play
She decided to play the market with her bonus, hoping for substantial returns.
Visual representation of the word "Play the market"

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