play at

Verb

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

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see play, at.
   • The band are playing at the Odeon tonight.
2. To pretend to be a different person while playing a game.
   • So we played at being pirates for a while.
3. To do something in a manner that lacks seriousness, commitment, or professionalism.
   • In my opinion, John only plays at being an author. He hasn't sold more than two magazine articles in as many months.
   • 'You don't like him, Captain, do you?' 'No, I don't. He plays at being loyal.'2015, Andrew O'Hagan, The Illuminations, →ISBN, page 94
4. (especially) Used to suggest that someone is doing something very wrong, or incorrectly, usually with the possibility of causing damage or harm.
   • Hey! Stop throwing stones at the swans! What on earth do you think you're playing at?
5. (archaic) To play (a game).