play on
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle on
Meanings
Take advantage of someone's weakness or fear
Why “on”? An action is directed onto a person, thing or weakness as its target.
“The ad plays on parents' fears.”
“He played on my guilt to get money from me.”
Don't confuse with
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“The ad plays on parents' fears.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
play out
A contrast learners often mix up
Develop or unfold over time
play up
A contrast learners often mix up
Cause problems by misbehaving or malfunctioning; Act in a way that pleases someone or a group
call on
Same on pattern: target
Ask someone to do something formally
cheat on
Same on pattern: target
Be unfaithful to a partner
come on
Same on pattern: target
Used to encourage, hurry or challenge someone; Begin to develop, especially an illness or weather; Start working or be turned on; Make progress or improve; Show romantic or sexual interest in someone, often in a direct way; Be broadcast on television or radio
dote on
Same on pattern: target
Show extreme affection toward someone
fall on
Same on pattern: target
Attack someone fiercely
feast on
Same on pattern: target
Eat a large amount of a particular food with enjoyment
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