play alongverb

• 1

  To take part in a charade, deception, or practical joke.

  • James thought it was cruel for the fraternity members to make the pledge think his father had died suddenly and refused to play along.
  • James played along with their cruel trick.
• 2

  To 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

  To play a musical instrument in synchrony with a playback of a recording.

  • I like to practise guitar by playing along with records.
• 4

  To cooperate or go along with a plan.

  • I have doubts about your plan, but I'll play along for now.
• 5

  To pretend to cooperate or go along with a plan.

  • I haven't told him yet, I'm still playing along with his scheme.
• 6

  To 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.