play to

To perform music for the people listening to you.

• The band played to a large crowd.
• We have played to audiences all over Europe.
• Will you be playing to local people tonight?

How to use it: play to someone (The band played to a small audience.)

Similar words: perform for

Common phrases: play to crowds, play to someone, play to audiences

To act in a way that makes the best use of a particular quality or situation.

• Choose work that plays to your strengths.
• The team played to its advantage in the wet conditions.
• Does this plan play to our strongest skills?

How to use it: play to someone’s strengths (This role plays to your strengths.)

Similar words: capitalize on, make the most of

Common phrases: play to strengths, play to something

To behave in a way intended to win a group’s attention or approval.

• He loves playing to the crowd.
• She played to the cameras during the debate.
• Are they solving problems or simply playing to their supporters?

How to use it: play to someone (The politician played to the crowd with jokes.)

Similar words: pander to, court

Common phrases: play to crowds, play to someone, play to voters