View synonyms for

power play

noun

Football. an aggressive running play in which numerous offensive players converge and forge ahead to block and clear a path for the ball carrier.
Ice Hockey.
1. a situation in which one team has a temporary numerical advantage because an opposing player or players are in the penalty box, and hence has an opportunity for a concerted, swarming attack on the opponent's goal.
2. the offensive strategy or effectiveness of the team having such an advantage.
an action, stratagem, or maneuver, as in politics or business, by which power is concentrated or manipulated in order to subdue a rival or gain control of a situation.

power play

noun

behaviour or tactics intended to magnify a person's influence or power
the use of brute strength or force of numbers in order to achieve an objective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of power play¹

First recorded in 1960–65

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The Oilers’ pulled that goal back on a power play less than three minutes later when Perry took three whacks at the puck before getting it by Kuemper.

From

The reference to hockey legend Gordie Howe is a signal to be aggressive in the face of power plays from Canada's neighbor to the south.

From

The Oilers, blanked on the power play in the first two games, had two goals, both by Bouchard, with the man advantage Friday.

From

The Kings have scored five times with the man advantage in the two games while holding Edmonton’s power play scoreless in five tries.

From

Though not a fan of trips to the Vatican or of hierarchy and power plays, Bergoglio evidently earned the respect of his fellow senior prelates, the red-hatted “princes of the church.”

From

power plant power point

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