play a part

present singular third person plays a part · participle present playing a part · participle past played a part · past played a part

1. idiomaticTo be involved in such a way to affect the outcome, to be a contributing factor.

   I'd like to play a part in the initial design.

   4 more examples

   The roads were foggy during the accident but alcohol may have also played a part.

   Exercise played a major part in his weight loss.

   My decision to leave home at the age of sixteen played a big part in my personal development.

   Pack ice, at times mounting to a height of 35 ft., snow, fog, and floating mines all played their part in the disorganisation of railway services, and most of the train ferry services were completely suspended for a month or more; [...].

   1940 May, “Overseas Railways: Icebound Denmark”, in Railway Magazine, page 302

   Synonyms: play a role, have an effect