Phrase guide

play it straight

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To behave in a manner that is straightforward, honest, or sincere.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To perform a role in a manner that is not comedic or exaggerated.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Qualifier: performing arts

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To avoid criminal behavior.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: go straight

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

14 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: open kaart spelen — to behave in a manner that is straightforward, honest, or sincere
  • Dutch: met open kaart spelen — to behave in a manner that is straightforward, honest, or sincere
  • Finnish: olla rehellinen — to behave in a manner that is straightforward, honest, or sincere
  • French: jouer cartes sur table — to behave in a manner that is straightforward, honest, or sincere
  • French: jouer franc jeu — to behave in a manner that is straightforward, honest, or sincere
  • German: mit offenen Karten spielen — to behave in a manner that is straightforward, honest, or sincere
  • German: nicht herumtricksen — to behave in a manner that is straightforward, honest, or sincere
  • Italian: giocare a carte scoperte — to behave in a manner that is straightforward, honest, or sincere
  • Polish: grać w otwarte karty — to behave in a manner that is straightforward, honest, or sincere
  • Romanian: juca cinstit — to behave in a manner that is straightforward, honest, or sincere
  • Russian: игра́ть в откры́тую (igrátʹ v otkrýtuju) — to behave in a manner that is straightforward, honest, or sincere
  • German: sauber bleiben — to avoid criminal behavior
  • German: es lassen krumme Dinger zu drehen — to avoid criminal behavior
  • German: sich gesetzestreu verhalten — to avoid criminal behavior