What are the definitions of “play away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be sexually unfaithful when away from home.
He travels abroad a lot and his wife thinks he PLAYS AWAY.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “play away”?
The phrasal verb play away refers to being sexually unfaithful when away from home, especially in a romantic relationship.
What are the different verb forms of “play away”?
| Root Verb | *play away* |
| Third Person Singular Present | *plays away* |
| Present Participle | *playing away* |
| Simple Past | *played away* |
| Past Participle | *played away* |
Example
She suspects her partner might play away when on business trips.
Example
He often worries about whether his friends play away.
Example
They're discussing relationships and the concept of playing away.
Example
In the past, he admitted to playing away in a previous relationship.
Example
The rumors suggested that he had been playing away during the tour.
What kind of phrasal verb is “play away”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“play away” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
He travels abroad a lot and his wife thinks he plays away.
Example
She was devastated when she found out her partner had been playing away.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“play away” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He travels abroad a lot and his wife thinks he plays away.
Example
She was devastated when she found out her partner had been playing away.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “play away”?
Play away during travels
To engage in extramarital affairs or be unfaithful while away from home.
Example
His constant business trips have led to rumors that he might be playing away.
Play away and infidelity
To indicate unfaithfulness or cheating within a romantic relationship.
Example
The tabloids reported that the celebrity couple was dealing with playing away allegations.
Play away as a betrayal
To express the emotional impact of infidelity.
Example
She felt betrayed and heartbroken when she discovered he had been playing away.
Good things to know
Does “play away” have an informal or formal tone?
The phrasal verb play away is informal and primarily used in casual conversations. It's important to handle this topic sensitively due to its nature.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “play away”?
Synonyms
- cheat
- be unfaithful
- have an affair
- stray
Antonyms
- stay faithful
- be loyal
- remain committed
