game
(geɪm )
Word forms: games
1. countable noun A1
A game is an activity or sport usually involving skill, knowledge, or chance, in which you follow fixed rules and try to win against an opponent or to solve a puzzle.
...the wonderful game of football.
...a playful game of hide-and-seek.
...a video game.
Synonyms: pastime, sport, activity, entertainment
2. countable noun A2
A game is one particular occasion on which a game is played.
It was the first game of the season.
He regularly watched our games from the stands.
We won three games against Australia.
Synonyms: match, meeting, event, competition
3. countable noun B1+
A game is a part of a match, for example in tennis or bridge, consisting of a fixed number of points.
She won six games to love in the second set.
...the last three points of the second game.
4. plural noun A2
Games are an organized event in which competitions in several sports take place.
...the Commonwealth Games.
5. plural noun B2
Games are organized sports activities that children do at school. [British]
At his grammar school he is remembered for being bad at games but good in debates.
6. singular noun [usually poss NOUN]
Someone's game is the degree of skill or the style that they use when playing a particular game.
Once I was through the first set my game picked up.
7. countable noun
You can describe a situation that you do not treat seriously as a game.
Many people regard life as a game: you win some, you lose some.
It's a cat-and-mouse game to him, and I'm the mouse.
Synonyms: amusement, joke, entertainment, diversion
8. countable noun B2
You can use game to describe a way of behaving in which a person uses a particular plan, usually in order to gain an advantage for himself or herself.
When the uncertainties become greater than the certainties, we end up in a game of bluff.
Until now, the Americans have been playing a very delicate political game.
9. uncountable noun
Wild animals or birds that are hunted for sport and sometimes cooked and eaten are referred to as game.
...men who shot game for food.
Synonyms: wild animals or birds, chase, prey, quarry
10. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE, oft ADJECTIVE to-infinitive]
If you are game for something, you are willing to do something new, unusual, or risky.
After all this time he still had new ideas and was game to try them.
He said he's game for a similar challenge next year. [+ for]
Synonyms: willing, prepared, ready, keen
11. See also gamely
12. game on phrase
If you say game on, you mean that you are ready for something challenging to begin.
You think you can beat me? Game on!
It's game on for toy makers as Christmas approaches.
13.
See a game of two halves
14. to give the game away phrase
If someone or something gives the game away, they reveal a secret or reveal their feelings, and this puts them at a disadvantage.
The faces of the two conspirators gave the game away.
15. new to a game phrase
If you are new to a particular game, you have not done a particular activity or been in a particular situation before.
Don't forget that she's new to this game and will take a while to complete the task.
16. on the game phrase [verb-link PHRASE]
If a man or woman is on the game, he or she is working as a prostitute. [British, informal]
17. at their own game phrase
If you beat someone at their own game, you use the same methods that they have used, but more successfully, so that you gain an advantage over them.
He must anticipate the maneuvers of the other lawyers and beat them at their own game.
The police knew that to trap the killer they had to play him at his own game.
18. all part of the game phrase [verb-link PHRASE]
If you say that something is all part of the game, you are telling someone not to be surprised or upset by something, because it is a normal part of the situation that they are in.
For investors, risks are part of the game.
19. playing games phrase
If you say that someone is playing games or playing silly games, you mean that they are not treating a situation seriously and you are annoyed with them. [disapproval]
'Don't play games with me!' he thundered.
From what I know of him he doesn't play silly games.
20. someone has raised their game phrase
If you say that someone has raised their game, you mean that they have begun to perform better, usually because they were under pressure to do so.
He admitted he would have to raise his game against the Spaniard.
The competition it offers should force the other airlines to raise their game.
21. the game is up phrase
If you say the game is up, you mean that someone's secret plans or activities have been revealed and therefore must stop because they cannot succeed.
Some thought they would hold out until Sunday. The realists knew that the game was already up.
Image of game
© makieni, Shutterstock
Quotations:
Play for more than you can afford to lose, and you will learn the game
It should be noted that children at play are not playing about; their games should be seen as their most serious-minded activityEssais
Die: the singular of `dice'. We seldom hear the word, because there is a prohibitory proverb, ` Never say die.'The Devil's Dictionary
I am sorry I have not learned to play at cards. It is very useful in life; it generates kindness and consolidates society
It's just a game - baseball - an amusement, a marginal thing, not an art, not a consequential metaphor for life, not a public trustStop Blaming Baseball
Life is a game in which the rules are constantly changing; nothing spoils a game more than those who take it seriouslyManners From Heaven
Idioms:
play a waiting game
to delay making any decisions or taking any action, because you think that it is better to wait and see how things develop
I propose to play a waiting game, and hope that a few of the pieces of this puzzle will soon begin to fit together.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
play someone at their own game
to behave towards someone in the same unfair or unpleasant way that they have been behaving towards you
I never used to get introduced to their clients. So I've started playing them at their own game. When I have clients to come and see me, I don't introduce them either.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
play the game
to do things in the accepted way or in the way that you are told to in order to keep your job or to achieve success
In order to survive in the political system, they have to play the game.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
the only game in town
the only option worth considering
He's the only game in town, and I am hoping that he can show some real leadership strength.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
on the game [British, informal]
working as a prostitute
How can anyone with kids think of going on the game?
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
not play the game [mainly British, old-fashioned]
to behave in an unfair and unacceptable way
Labour chancellors really aren't supposed to do this sort of thing. It is not playing the game.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
new to the game
having no previous experience of an activity that you are taking part in
Don't forget that she's new to this game and will take a while to complete the task, so you need to be very patient.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
give the game away
to reveal something which someone had been trying to keep secret
Johnson had intended to make his announcement in a forthcoming feature in The Times but the paper gave the game away.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
a game plan
the things that someone intends to do in order to achieve a particular aim
So few people stick to their game plan. I stuck to mine. I had always wanted to be a millionaire from a very early age.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
the game is up
said to mean that someone can no longer continue to do something wrong or illegal because people have found out what they are doing
He narrowed his eyes as the blue lights of the police car filled the cab. Sensing the game was up, he pulled over.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
beat someone at their own game
to do something more successfully than someone else, although they have a reputation for doing it very well
The Cats beat Brisbane at their own game: they were more aggressive and equally skilled.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
ahead of the game
well prepared to deal with any change that happens in the activity that you are involved in
We're always looking at new technologies to keep ahead of the game.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
a new ball game or a different ball game
a situation that has changed so much that people will have to change the way they deal with it or consider it
If military force were to be used, then that could be a completely different ball game.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
play the numbers game
to use amounts or figures to support an argument, often in a way that confuses or misleads people
Since everyone plays the numbers game differently, there is hot debate about the real volume of sales.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
play a shell game [mainly US]
to deliberately deceive people, for example by changing things or pretending to change things, in order to gain an advantage
The union accused the mine-owners of playing a shell game, planning to open mines in the future with the intention of hiring non-union miners.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
a zero-sum game [journalism]
a situation in which if one person gains an advantage, someone else involved must suffer an equivalent disadvantage
In New York people pursue money, which is not a zero-sum game. No one has to lose money for you to make money.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
the name of the game
the most important aspect of an activity or situation
In the current economic climate, survival is the name of the game.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Collocations:
competitive game control the game decide a game enjoy a game game a system game day game of golf game player game rules game time game winner hockey game inside game league game lose a game miss a game online game playoff game poker game postpone a game qualifying game remaining games series of games soccer game successive game team game tie a game title game tournament game warm-up game watch the game win the game
The Germans have now won their last 14 competitive games.
The Sun (2012)
He is yet to play for the first team in a competitive game.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
I think the more competitive games you play you get used to the pressure and to the pace and your fitness improves.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
We set the tempo and controlled the game.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
It became much more difficult for us to control the game after he came on.
The Sun (2013)
But he is playing really well, he is kicking his goals, controlling the game.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The second goal, in the 76th minute, decided the game.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
He's the player who decides games.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Games are regularly decided in the final 20 minutes.
The Sun (2014)
We all enjoy a festive board game.
The Sun (2013)
When asked if they enjoy the game, some of the top players often look at you as if you are mad.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
She also continued to enjoy fiercely competitive games of Scrabble, which she usually won.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
But, in his defence, he says he's doing his best to game the system.
Times, Sunday Times
Many who take part are said to pretend they have changed their views in order to game the system.
Times,Sunday Times
Predictably, banks have already learnt to game the system.
Times, Sunday Times
Smaller developers say the present rules are biased towards larger builders with the money to hire consultants and lawyers to help them game the system.
Times,Sunday Times
Executives were able to game the system and pay continued to soar.
Times, Sunday Times
Game day, can't wait to put on my new colors.
The Sun
They're the guys that have to play the game day after day.
Times, Sunday Times
Even though things haven't been going that well, it still gives us the right frame of mind on game day to approach it.
The Sun
Game day would start with a very light breakfast (omelette or scrambled eggs) and not very much for lunch, if anything.
Times, Sunday Times
Several of the period recipes could make for delightful game day dishes.
Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
Have a game of golf or just enjoy the lazy river, there's something for everyone!
The Sun
He had played his last game of golf two days earlier.
Times, Sunday Times
The court was told that he admitted visiting the crematorium, but only to arrange a game of golf.
Times, Sunday Times
I don't think too many players in the game of golf would relish playing against him in the final rounds.
The Sun
He also continued to enjoy a game of golf.
Times, Sunday Times
She's been described as manipulative, argumentative and a game player throughout this series.
The Sun
Others are 'greenwashing' - coined by environmentalists to describe misleading information - and 'noob,' a new computer game player.
The Sun
He seems lovely, very respectful, not a game player.
The Sun
I'm not a game player or a backstabber.
The Sun
Every one of them was a winner, every one of them a leader, every one of them a big game player.
The Sun
Also, remember to check up on the game rules and scoring details.
The Sun
See inside now for full player lists and game rules!
The Sun
Similar to regular game rules, a player must play a card if able.
Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
The game rules at the international competition are generally identical to that year's regional game.
Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
Specific game rules will be randomly applied which all players will need to complete in the amount of time allowed.
Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
I got a lot of game time, got some assists and goals.
The Sun (2017)
If anything, I need game time more than most guys.
The Sun (2007)
Showed commendable composure given his inexperience and lack of recent game time.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
He joined the squad last week as a replacement but could have been an original choice but for a lack of game time after a knee injury.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Together this trio will score and make a lot of tries given the game time.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
He was a game winner the last time he tackled this class and should have more to offer.
The Sun
He was a game winner over course and distance last time and has every chance of following up.
The Sun
But he set up the game winner and caused a turnover that set up the other goal.
Globe and Mail
He was a game winner in a big field here 21 days ago where he blitzed them from the gates and was never pegged back.
The Sun
His second goal, in the 105th minute, was the game winner in extra time.
Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
We've got to find a way to win a hockey game.
Globe and Mail
The night of the high-school hockey game, when everyone drinks a lot and stands, drunk, shouting and watching the match.
Times, Sunday Times
Nine months on, the negotiations that began at the ice hockey game have made good progress.
Times, Sunday Times
They brought their sticks, they brought their gloves and a good old hockey game broke out.
Christianity Today
The host nation won a hockey game.
Times, Sunday Times
So what's going to happen when he fights a guy who can box, throws in volume, can slug, has great defence, a great inside game and a great outside game?
Times, Sunday Times
The inside game consists of activities which can be done on the shop floor or in the workplace.
Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
The inside game, in which workers apply pressure from within, may also form part of the comprehensive campaign.
Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
Ward showed he had an inside game as well as an outside game.
Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
Some gamers are now making more than 50,000 a year selling virtual goods and services inside games.
Times, Sunday Times
Orient have won just one league game at home this season.
The Sun (2016)
Leicester failed to muster a shot on target in a league game for the first time since May 2015?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It was good to get the away goal, although obviously we don't like to lose the game.
The Sun (2010)
We lost the game because Stoke defended much better than we did, with much more purpose.
The Sun (2011)
We played our game, albeit not exactly as we wanted to, and were happy not to lose the game.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Suddenly you scan the fixtures, wondering if you can afford to miss a game.
Times, Sunday Times
He said that a failure in the transport system could mean thousands of people with tickets might miss a game.
Times, Sunday Times
You don't want to miss a game as there's always someone to take your place.
The Sun
So it will be a bitter blow to miss a game where he might have had a major influence.
The Sun
Three years later, he has yet to miss a game.
Times, Sunday Times
The online game will be expanded, with downloadable content on offer too.
The Sun (2008)
On the plus side, the online game allows you to compete against players from around the world on a more or less equal footing.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
It might feel like a road playoff game, though.
Houston Chronicle
It's no different from any other playoff game.
Houston Chronicle
But he wasn't about to miss a playoff game.
Houston Chronicle
We've got to take every game like it's a playoff game.
Globe and Mail
He played one playoff game without scoring a point.
Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
This is a poker game, after all.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
After Lloyd sent the cardsharp, she had set up a floating poker game, and then sent Bob to Homer.
ROSES ARE FOR THE RICH (1992)
He has the best hand in the poker game.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Where people and families are cards in a poker game, those are not my values.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Shaken and tearful players on both teams consoled the grieving umpires, and ultimately it was decided that it would be best to postpone the game.
Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
The other umpires decided to postpone the game until the next day.
Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
Bad weather however would postpone the game to later in the season.
Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
Two days of heavy rain left the ball field with standing water and threatened to postpone the game.
Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
We talked about postponing the game.
Houston Chronicle
He has to be fit for our qualifying games next year.
The Sun (2010)
It has been a miserable campaign for Wales, who have lost four of their last five qualifying games.
The Sun (2009)
We definitely have a good squad and in the qualifying games we played extremely well.
The Sun (2010)
The remaining home games will be crucial.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
If Rangers win their remaining three games they will be champions.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
And now Arsenal are left with absolutely no margin for error in their remaining group games.
The Sun (2015)
At our district trials, 75 youngsters played a series of games on a full-size pitch.
Times, Sunday Times
They play a series of games to score points, which include chatting her up on a daily basis.
The Sun
They will use the space to stage a series of games featuring top sports stars.
The Sun
He will put each team through a series of games and questions to draw out their true feelings on trivial matters.
The Sun
These are precious times for coaches looking to test combinations and probably the last series of games before they will be trying to stick rather than twist.
Times, Sunday Times
Driving back from their first soccer game, they talked music.
Times, Sunday Times
Go to a student's soccer game, band concert, or play.
Christianity Today
Every soccer game, every choir practice, every school play.
Times, Sunday Times
I saw it with people who screamed and cheered like at a soccer game.
Times, Sunday Times
How about at a soccer game?
The Times Literary Supplement
The team has now lost six successive home games without scoring.
The Sun (2012)
Portsmouth kept a clean sheet for the fourth successive game.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
A point was the least Leeds deserved in their fourth successive away game.
The Sun (2014)
Someone needs to have a word about it being a team game.
Times, Sunday Times
We had a team game, one side versus the other, called 'wet heads'.
Times, Sunday Times
Take this deal from a home team game.
Times, Sunday Times
I don't feel the pressure because it's a team game.
The Sun
Both played a team game with outstanding individual brilliance, without once ceasing to be a team player through and through.
Times, Sunday Times
He hit the top corner to tie the game.
canada.com
A successful onside kick led to a touchdown, and the extra point ricocheted through the uprights to tie the game.
Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
The goal inspired a reaction to tie the game 4-4.
Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
Both teams would trade goals once again and tie the game at five after the second period.
Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
Before overtime was used consistently, teams might tie a game without winning one; these are generally counted in lists of winless seasons.
Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
He's never lost in the title game.
Houston Chronicle
That marked the last season a host team has participated in the title game.
canada.com
The game attendance was 48,120 a record crowd for a title game.
Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
Beginning in 2001, the event switched to a classic format, with a pre-determined schedule and no title game.
Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
The victories broke a string of two consecutive defeats in the district title game to the same teams.
Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
Halting a tournament game to explain his plans would have been anathema to him.
Times, Sunday Times
A goal would be to finally win a conference tournament game.
Houston Chronicle
So far, the age-group sides, who have yet to lose a tournament game this year, have been bold.
Times, Sunday Times
He arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of twenty-three when made his senior debut in a tournament game.
Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
It begins with a school record 25 wins and includes the programs first victory in a national postseason tournament game in 68 years.
Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
He would not be free to play any of the warm-up games or the opener against Fiji.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The South African wicketkeeper was forced to retire after a bail smashed into his eye during a warm-up game.
The Sun (2012)
England and Germany have important World Cup ties in midweek so will take these warm-up games seriously.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
And watching the game in one of the city 's bars is an experience like no other.
The Sun (2013)
Here you see actual color footage of me watching the game from the sidelines.
Exploring language (6th edn) (1995)
I watched the game and you wouldn't know it was being played on artificial turf.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Neymar looked ready to cry during the national anthems, while the entire team blubbed after winning the game on penalties.
The Sun (2014)
We won the game but right after the final whistle, a mass brawl erupted.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
You need something special to come back and win the game from that position.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
We need to win the game and it's having that calmness and composure.
The Sun (2014)
Translations:
Chinese: 游戏, 游戏
Japanese: ゲーム, 遊び