- underplay
- verb (T)
1 to make something seem less important than it really is2 underplay your hand to discuss something with someone without telling them everything about your plans, abilities etc
Longman dictionary of contemporary English. 2004.
underplay
Look at other dictionaries:
Underplay — Un der*play , v. i. 1. To play in a subordinate, or in an inferior manner; to underact a part. [1913 Webster] 2. (Card Playing) To play a low card when holding a high one, in the hope of a future advantage. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Underplay — Un der*play , n. (Card Playing) The act of underplaying. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
underplay — ► VERB 1) perform (a role or part) in a restrained way. 2) represent (something) as being less important than it really is … English terms dictionary
underplay — [un΄dər plā′] vt., vi. 1. to act (a role or scene) in a manner intended to be subtle and restrained 2. UNDERACT 3. to play down the importance of (something) … English World dictionary
underplay — [[t]ʌ̱ndə(r)ple͟ɪ[/t]] underplays, underplaying, underplayed VERB If you underplay something, you make it seem less important than it really is. [mainly BRIT] [V n] We often underplay the skills we have... [V n] The problem of alcoholism was, and … English dictionary
underplay — UK [ˌʌndə(r)ˈpleɪ] / US [ˌʌndərˈpleɪ] verb [transitive] Word forms underplay : present tense I/you/we/they underplay he/she/it underplays present participle underplaying past tense underplayed past participle underplayed to make something seem… … English dictionary
underplay — verb Underplay is used with these nouns as the object: ↑role … Collocations dictionary
underplay — un•der•play [[t]ˌʌn dərˈpleɪ, ˈʌn dərˌpleɪ[/t]] v. t. 1) sbz to play (a part or scene) subtly and with restraint 2) sbz to play (a part) sketchily 3) cvb to understate or de emphasize; downplay 4) sbz to underplay a part or scene • Etymology:… … From formal English to slang
underplay — Date: 1833 intransitive verb to play a role with subdued force transitive verb 1. to act or present (as a role or a scene) with restraint ; play down 2. to play a card lower than (a held high card) … New Collegiate Dictionary
underplay — /un deuhr play , un deuhr play /, v.t. 1. to act (a part) sketchily. 2. to act subtly and restrainedly. 3. to understate or de emphasize; downplay: The ambassador underplayed his role in the peace negotiations. v.i. 4. to leave out of one s… … Universalium
