and don't play one on TV

phrase

A term often used after a person claims to have no expertise in a topic of discussion, but still wants to contribute a comment.

“I'm not a financial expert and don't play one on TV, but I think now is a bad time to buy shares.”

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Meanings

phrase
  1. humorousA term often used after a person claims to have no expertise in a topic of discussion, but still wants to contribute a comment.

    I'm not a financial expert and don't play one on TV, but I think now is a bad time to buy shares.

Origin

A reference to US television advertisements where well-known actors from medical shows were obliged to add the disclaimer "I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV".

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

and don't play one on TV. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/and%20don't%20play%20one%20on%20TV

MLA

“and don't play one on TV.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/and%20don't%20play%20one%20on%20TV. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “and don't play one on TV,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/and%20don't%20play%20one%20on%20TV.

Source: and don't play one on TV on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.