run of play
- noun
- Jargon
- Despite the edge in possession, the Cardinal was not able to create many dangerous chances during the run of play.
Examples
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The Comets controlled much of the run of play after the goal, but struggled to get good shots off.
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The Sunbirds started to regain control of the game and maintain possession, which allowed them to build up in the run of play.
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Only one came in the run of play, and the other was off a direct kick.
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Which is exactly how Portland moved the ball around to score their only goal during the run of play against Vancouver.
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During the run of play, Seattle connected with one cross from the wing into the box, despite trying twelve times.
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Seattle took over 15% of its shots as shots off crosses in the run of play.
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As has so often been the case this year, the Ephs rallied immediately after halftime and briefly assumed control of the run of play.
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The team played well during the run of play, creating multiple scoring opportunities without set pieces.
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In the second half, the coach emphasized improving their tactics during the run of play to gain an advantage.
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After several minutes of back-and-forth action, the goal finally came during the run of play rather than a free kick.
Synonyms
A continuous period when a machine or process works
A part of a game when play happens for a set time
A set time in a game or match when the action continues
Antonyms
How Complete
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'continuous course of a game' is directly derivable from combining 'run' (a continuous spell of events) with 'of play' which restricts that spell to the context of the game. This is a straightforward noun + of + noun composition (albeit sports register), so a B1 learner who knows the constituents should be able to infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
The phrase run of play comes from a simple picture: the run, meaning movement, of the play, meaning the game, when the ball keeps moving and there is no stop. So, it means the 'normal flow' of the game, the continuous action rather than free kicks, corners, or other stops.