Phrase guide

play the field

verb · 2 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 cut one's losses by betting on every racehorse other than the crowd favorite.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK

Topics: hobbies, horseracing, horses, lifestyle, pets, racing, sports

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To have numerous romantic partners, without or before committing exclusively to one.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • He says I'm the only one, but my friends say he's playing the field.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 腳踏兩條船 /脚踏两条船 (jiǎo tà liǎng tiáo chuán) — to date more than one person
  • Chinese Mandarin: 拈花惹草 (niānhuārěcǎo) — to date more than one person
  • Finnish: pyörittää useampaa naista kerralla — to date more than one person
  • German: nichts anbrennen lassen — to date more than one person
  • German: zweigleisig fahren — to date more than one person
  • Italian: tenere il piede in due scarpe — to date more than one person
  • Swedish: köra två spår, köra dubbelspårigt — to date more than one person