Play possum Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Deception Play Used to trick others into thinking you're not awake or aware to avoid interaction. During the boring lecture, he played possum to not get called on. Pro Tip 2/3Childish Strategy Often a method children use to avoid chores or responsibilities. She played possum to dodge cleaning her room. Pro Tip 3/3Not Literally Asleep Remember, it just mimics sleep; there's no actual sleeping involved. He wasn't napping, just played possum when I came in.