Play for keeps
verb phrase
To be intent and serious to the point of callousness; play hardball: We’re out here man for man and playin’ for keeps
[1861+; fr the game of marbles and other children’s games where the tokens may be either returned or kept by the winner]
see: for keeps
Read Also:
- Play for laughs
see: play for , def. 1.
- Playful
[pley-fuh l] /ˈpleɪ fəl/ adjective 1. full of play or fun; sportive; frolicsome. 2. pleasantly humorous or jesting: a playful remark. /ˈpleɪfʊl/ adjective 1. full of high spirits and fun: a playful kitten 2. good-natured and humorous: a playful remark adj. mid-13c., from play (v.) + -ful. Related: Playfully; playfulness.
- Playfully
[pley-fuh l] /ˈpleɪ fəl/ adjective 1. full of play or fun; sportive; frolicsome. 2. pleasantly humorous or jesting: a playful remark. /ˈpleɪfʊl/ adjective 1. full of high spirits and fun: a playful kitten 2. good-natured and humorous: a playful remark adj. mid-13c., from play (v.) + -ful. Related: Playfully; playfulness.
- Playgirl
[pley-gurl] /ˈpleɪˌgɜrl/ noun 1. a woman who pursues a life of pleasure without responsibility or attachments, especially one who is of comfortable means. noun A woman devoted to amusement (1934+)
- Playfulness
[pley-fuh l] /ˈpleɪ fəl/ adjective 1. full of play or fun; sportive; frolicsome. 2. pleasantly humorous or jesting: a playful remark. /ˈpleɪfʊl/ adjective 1. full of high spirits and fun: a playful kitten 2. good-natured and humorous: a playful remark adj. mid-13c., from play (v.) + -ful. Related: Playfully; playfulness.