play dead

phrase

: to lie on one's back and pretend to be dead
She taught her dog to play dead.

Examples of play dead in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Quarterback Justin Fields had less luck, as his try concluded with back-to-back would-be sacks — only possible because officials were on hand to blow the play dead as defensive linemen reached the quarterback. — Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026 The episode opened with Cole and his remaining Greens falling into a trap set by young Lord Oscar Tully (Archie Barnes) and Lord Roderick Dustin (Tommy Flanagan) that saw a host of Rivermen play dead in order to lure their enemy into battle. — Megan McCluskey, Time, 27 July 2026 The wrecked car was overturned with the nude model sleeping inside—playing dead with help from a mild sedative. — Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 30 Mar. 2026 Will Iran really roll over and play dead like that, though? — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for play dead

Rhymes for play dead

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Browse Nearby Words

playday
play dead
play debt
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Cite this Entry

“Play dead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20dead. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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