Skip to main content

Difference between Outplay someone and Play someone out

outplay someoneplay better than another person:

  • He played well but was finally outplayed by his opponent, who was simply too good for Palmer on that day.

play someone outplay music while smb. leaves:

  • When they left the church, the organist played them out with Kuyavy dances, till their feet beat time of themselves.

Note: The expression is not related in meaning to its passive counterpart be played out(coll.) be tired or worn out:

  • I was quite played out when I entered the settlement, and I think I had parted from even some little trifles I carried with me.