play along

present singular third person plays along · participle present playing along · participle past played along · past played along

1. idiomaticTo take part in a charade, deception, or practical joke.

   James played along with their cruel trick.

   2 more examples

   James thought it was cruel for the fraternity members to make the pledge think his father had died suddenly and refused to play along.

   North Korea loves to spring surprises. More unusual is for its US foe to play along.

   29 February 2012, Aidan Foster-Carter, BBC News North Korea: The denuclearisation dance resumeshttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17213948

2. idiomaticTo participate in a joke or trick while hiding one's knowledge of its true nature.

   I knew that my blind date was an April Fools trick, but I played along anyway.

3. idiomaticTo play a musical instrument in synchrony with a playback of a recording.

   I like to practise guitar by playing along with records.

4. USidiomaticTo cooperate or go along with a plan.

   I have doubts about your plan, but I'll play along for now.

5. USidiomaticTo pretend to cooperate or go along with a plan.

   I haven't told him yet, I'm still playing along with his scheme.

6. UKidiomaticTo manipulate (someone).

   The con man plays his victims along until he senses the moment to ask for money.

7. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see play, along.

   The children spent the day playing along the river.