play along

Verb

play along (third-person singular simple present plays along, present participle playing along, simple past and past participle played along)

1. (idiomatic) To take part in a charade, deception, or practical joke.
   • James thought it was cruel for the fraternity members to make the pledge think his father had died suddenly and refused to play along.
   • James played along with their cruel trick.
2. (idiomatic) To participate in a joke or trick while hiding one's knowledge of its true nature.
   • I knew that my blind date was an April Fools trick, but I played along anyway.
3. (idiomatic) To play a musical instrument in synchrony with a playback of a recording.
   • I like to practise guitar by playing along with records.
4. (US, idiomatic) To cooperate or go along with a plan.
   • I have doubts about your plan, but I'll play along for now.
5. (US, idiomatic) To pretend to cooperate or go along with a plan.
   • I haven't told him yet, I'm still playing along with his scheme.
6. (UK, idiomatic) To manipulate (someone).
   • The con man plays his victims along until he senses the moment to ask for money.
7. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see play, along.
   • The children spent the day playing along the river.