play a part—
1. be involved in smth. and have an effect on it:
- Biochemistry may be defined as the study of the chemical processes which play a part in the life phenomena of plants and animals.
2. impersonate smb. such as a stage character:
- These pages contain top-secret materials about Bondiana—about the actors, who played a part of Bond.
3. deliberately behave in a way that hides one’s real character or feelings:
- It’s enough to make a man bughouse when he has to play a part from morning to night.
Note: The expression does not fully correlate in meaning with the phrase play one’s part—(also: do one’s part)
1. = play a part 1:
- He not only played his part in shaping the organization, but he also did what might be termed important field work for it.
2. do what is required of one:
- Soliah played her part well before the media, speaking of her relief and her gratitude to friends and neighbors.
play the part—
1. = play a part 2:
- Easton played the part of an aspiring singer with a humble background that prevents her from achieving her dream.
2. perform the function of other things:
- Banks which had adopted the gold exchange standard will become dependent on the banks which play the part of gold centers.