take the first step or steps in carrying out an action | engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously |
set in motion, cause to start | pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind |
play in the starting lineup | exhaust by allowing to pull on the line |
bring into being | consider not very seriously |
get off the ground | participate in games or sport |
begin or set in motion | bet or wager (money) |
get going or set in motion | contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle |
depart for someplace | put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game |
bulge outward | make bets |
move or jump suddenly, as if in surprise or alarm | stake on the outcome of an issue |
begin work or acting in a certain capacity, office or job | shoot or hit in a particular manner |
begin an event that is implied and limited by the nature or inherent function of the direct object | employ in a game or in a specific position |
have a beginning, in a temporal, spatial, or evaluative sense | use or move |
have a beginning characterized in some specified way | use to one's advantage |
| manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination |
| discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream |
| replay (as a melody) |
| perform music on (a musical instrument) |
| play a role or part |
| perform on a certain location |
| be performed or presented for public viewing |
| cause to emit recorded audio or video |
| pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity |
| perform on a stage or theater |
| emit recorded sound |
| play on an instrument |
| cause to happen or to occur as a consequence |
| move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly |
| cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space |
| engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion |
| behave in a certain way |
| be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children |
| act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome |
| behave carelessly or indifferently |
| be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way |