English

Prepositional phrase

in play

1. As a joke. [from 14th c.]

   You mustn't take what I said so seriously, it was only said in play.‎

2. In operation, active. [from 17th c.]

   It's hard to tell which physical forces are in play at this altitude.‎

3. (sports) Available to be played according to the rules of the game in question; within the boundaries of the pitch etc. [from 18th c.]

   The ball is in play for an average of just seven minutes out of a sixty-minute game.‎

4. (business) Open to a takeover bid. [from 20th c.]

   Despite the best efforts of the executive committee, it seems the company is now in play.‎