51Թ

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View synonyms for

overplay

[oh-ver-pley]

verb (used with object)

  1. to exaggerate or overemphasize (one's role in a play, an emotion, an effect, etc.).

    The young actor overplayed Hamlet shamelessly. The director of the movie had overplayed the pathos.

  2. to put too much stress on the value or importance of.

    A charitable biographer had overplayed the man's piety and benevolence.

  3. Cards.to overestimate the strength of (the cards in one's hand) with consequent loss.

  4. Golf.to hit (the ball) past the putting green.

  5. Archaic.outplay.



verb (used without object)

  1. to exaggerate one's part, an effect, etc.; overact.

    Without a firm director she invariably overplays.

overplay

/ ˌəʊəˈɪ /

verb

  1. (tr) to exaggerate the importance of

  2. another word for overact

  3. to overestimate the worth or strength of one's position

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of overplay1

First recorded in 1640–50; over- + play
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

It’s entirely possible, as many analysts believe, that Wilders has overplayed his hand and that the migrant crisis is no longer the dominant issue in European politics, largely thanks to Trump 2.0.

From

That was over an incident in which Verstappen felt Russell had overplayed his hand with the stewards in seeking a penalty for his rival after an incident in qualifying.

From

"I think the US is overplaying its hand," Ms Elms says.

From

If the US overplays its hand in alienating its allies today, China will be waiting.

From

It’s fine to argue that the judiciary overplays its role as a check on the executive, but I’m grateful for judges when Congress refuses to play any role other than spectator — or heckler.

From

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