play along

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play along

1. Literally, to play the same song as someone else on one's own instrument. I sang while my uncle played along on the banjo.

2. By extension, to cooperate with someone or pretend to do so; to support or agree with something someone is doing or saying, especially as part of a joke, lie, or scam. If you play along, we could convince the IRS that the money came from donations. Just play along and do what they say, and nobody will get hurt!

See also: play

play along

(with someone or something)

1. Lit. to play a musical instrument with someone or a group. The trombonist sat down and began to play along with the others. Do you mind if I play along?

2. Fig. to pretend to cooperate with someone or something in a joke, scam, etc. I decided that I would play along with Larry for a while and see what would happen. I don't think I want to play along.

See also: play

play along

Cooperate or pretend to cooperate, as in They decided to play along with the robbers, at least for a while. [Colloquial; 1920s]

See also: play

play along

1. To cooperate or pretend to cooperate with someone: We decided to play along with their silly plans for a while. If you don't play along, we'll never get the job done.

2. To accompany someone or something by playing a musical instrument: I listen to the radio and play along with the songs on my guitar.

See also: play

References in periodicals archive ?

In addition to traditional toy lines, Play Along also manufactures and markets Speed Stacks[R], the official equipment of the World Sport Stacking Association.

Cabbage Patch Kids(R) Celebrate 25 Years with a One-of-a-Kind, Year-Long Birthday Celebration!

Then play along with a special four-number draw held throughout the show.

LENNY LOTTERY: How to play the new TV scratch card game

On Monday you'll get a FREE Take Your Pick card that lets you play along LIVE as the smash-hit show returns to our screens.

pounds 50,000 to be won; GET YOUR CARD ON MONDAY

In one segment, Amanda Bynes (``What I Like About You'') and hairstylist to the stars Jose Eber play along as a ridiculously flamboyant Kennedy gives a victim a makeover.

SMALL SCREEN

It's a totally interactive program where the only audience are contestants who actually play along with the game,'' said the show's executive producer, Ron Foster.

'LATINO BINGO' SHOW IN SPANISH INTERACTIVE TV PROGRAM A FIRST

Last summer, the governor recommended a VLF hike, but it failed to get the necessary two-thirds legislative approval when Republicans refused to play along.

DAVIS CRAFTED BLAME-FREE HIKE IN VLF

Both those plans, to the credit of Sacramento Republicans who refused to play along, suffered the legislative death they deserved.

EDITORIAL BUDGET HOCUS-POCUS STATE LEGISLATURE MAKES TOUGH DECISIONS DISAPPEAR - FOR NOW

has extended its contract with JAKKS' Play Along division for Cabbage Patch Kids dolls and accessories through 2010.

4Kids Entertainment and JAKKS Pacific Announce the Renewal of the Play Along/JAKKS Pacific Cabbage Patch Kids License with Original Appalachian Artworks

As it's presently constituted, the only teachers the UTLA seems to represent are the old-timers, those who play along and those who toe the party line.

EDITORIAL CHEATING TEACHERS THE UTLA PROTECTS ITSELF, NOT RANK-AND-FILE TEACHERS

We are honored and excited that Speed Stacks has been acknowledged by so many coveted awards leading up to the holiday season," said Susan Evans, Vice President of Marketing for Play Along.

Stacking Up the Awards! Play Along(R)'s Speed Stacks(R) StackPack(R) Earns Several Top Awards this Holiday Season including a spot on Toy Wishes' 'Hot Dozen' List