Play itself out
verb
To happen or develop in a particular way, usually without any direct human control.
We just need to sit back and let the situation play itself out.
Often appears as...
- let it play itself out
- situation plays itself out
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To use up, exhaust or deplete.
The fuel in the car will play itself out eventually.
Often appears as...
- resources play themselves out
- supply plays itself out
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To happen or develop in a particular way, usually without any direct human control.
We just need to sit back and let the situation play itself out.
Often appears as...
- let it play itself out
- situation plays itself out
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To use up, exhaust or deplete.
The fuel in the car will play itself out eventually.
Often appears as...
- resources play themselves out
- supply plays itself out
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3No Direct Influence
Reflecting on how events happen naturally, without people changing or influencing the outcome.
The coach believed the team's true spirit would play itself out during the season.
Pro Tip 2/3Observation Suggested
Implies being patient and watching how things develop, rather than taking immediate action.
The stakeholders decided to see how the new policy would play itself out before commenting.
Pro Tip 3/3Time-Dependent
Used when you know that the outcome or resolution will become clear eventually.
The employees waited for the merger to play itself out to understand its impact.
Pro Tip 1/3No Direct Influence
Reflecting on how events happen naturally, without people changing or influencing the outcome.
The coach believed the team's true spirit would play itself out during the season.
Pro Tip 2/3Observation Suggested
Implies being patient and watching how things develop, rather than taking immediate action.
The stakeholders decided to see how the new policy would play itself out before commenting.
Pro Tip 3/3Time-Dependent
Used when you know that the outcome or resolution will become clear eventually.
The employees waited for the merger to play itself out to understand its impact.
Pro Tip 1/3No Direct Influence
Reflecting on how events happen naturally, without people changing or influencing the outcome.
The coach believed the team's true spirit would play itself out during the season.
Pro Tip 2/3Observation Suggested
Implies being patient and watching how things develop, rather than taking immediate action.
The stakeholders decided to see how the new policy would play itself out before commenting.
Pro Tip 3/3Time-Dependent
Used when you know that the outcome or resolution will become clear eventually.
The employees waited for the merger to play itself out to understand its impact.
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