View synonyms for

overplay

[ oh-ver-pley ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

to exaggerate or overemphasize (one's role in a play, an emotion, an effect, etc.):
The young actor overplayed Hamlet shamelessly. The director of the movie had overplayed the pathos.
to put too much stress on the value or importance of:
A charitable biographer had overplayed the man's piety and benevolence.
Cards. to overestimate the strength of (the cards in one's hand) with consequent loss.
Golf. to hit (the ball) past the putting green.
Archaic. outplay.

verb (used without object)

to exaggerate one's part, an effect, etc.; overact:
Without a firm director she invariably overplays.

overplay

/ ˌəʊ��əˈ��ɪ /

verb

tr to exaggerate the importance of
another word for overact
overplay one's hand
to overestimate the worth or strength of one's position

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Word History and Origins

Origin of overplay¹

First recorded in 1640–50; over- + play

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"I think the US is overplaying its hand," Ms Elms says.

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If the US overplays its hand in alienating its allies today, China will be waiting.

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It’s fine to argue that the judiciary overplays its role as a check on the executive, but I’m grateful for judges when Congress refuses to play any role other than spectator — or heckler.

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Before leaving for Florida after the Oval Office clash with Zelensky, Trump told reporters that the Ukrainian leader had "overplayed his hand".

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Trump later told reporters that Ukraine's president "overplayed his hand" in the exchange and that he would need "to say 'I want to make peace'" to restart talks with the US.

From

Related Words

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