at play
The phrase "at play" can describe both literal activities and figurative influences in various contexts.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B1General
(common)Engaged in an activity or game.
Example
- The children were at play in the park.
B2Figurative
(figurative)Having an influence or effect on a situation.
Example
- Several factors are at play in the decision-making process.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "at play":
play atin playplay inplay withat workplay toplay onplay aboutplay aroundsex playat leisureat batwet playat itmake a playplay outword playfood playplay fightplay partyat homeplay ballplayed outhave atparallel playplay house