Definition of "play along" in English

Verb

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.