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Play on Words

What Does "Play on Words" Mean?

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"Play on words" is an English idiom. It means "to use language in a clever or humorous way to create multiple meanings or interpretations in a phrase or sentence."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "play on words" used in a sentence:
  • The comedian excelled at playing on words to deliver witty punchlines that made the audience laugh.
  • The ad campaign used a play on words to convey the product's benefits in a memorable manner.
  • His favourite form of humor was wordplay, and he often amused his friends with clever plays on words.
meaning for play on words

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Play on Words" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

A Quick Test

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