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Glite Dictionary
to play even harder

to play even harder

3.1
To have fun with more energy after working hard
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : jugar aún más intensamente
  • After studying all week, he decided to play even harder during the weekend to unwind.

Examples

  • She works hard, plays even harder, messes up the hardest.

  • Despite the tough practice, the kids play even harder at the tournament, showing their true spirit.

  • The team trained intensely all season, and now they play even harder in every match.

Synonyms

to sport
vsto play even harder
39 2.7

To play or move around in a lively, cheerful way

adds extra intensity and enthusiasm to recreational activity after work
to step up one's game
vsto play even harder
  • Informal
6 4.9

Work harder to improve your skills and do better

focuses on boosting energy and enjoyment after effort rather than skill
to find another gear
vsto play even harder
  • Informal
1 6.8

To work harder or faster when facing a challenge

increases energy in fun activities often after working hard
to lift one's game
vsto play even harder
  • Informal
6.1

Try to do better to meet higher standards

aims more at adding lively energy to leisure after hard work

Antonyms

to take a break
496 1.4

To stop doing something for a short time to rest or relax before continuing

Surface Forms

play even harder infinitive
played even harder past
played even harder past participle
playing even harder present participle
plays even harder third person singular

Morphology

play + even + hard

The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'play' plus the intensifying comparative 'even harder' (i.e., to play with more intensity), so a B1 learner who knows the parts can infer the overall sense. This construction is a common, grammatically regular intensification pattern across languages, making the MWE immediately comprehensible from its constituents.

Etymology

The phrase play even harder comes from the idea 'work hard, play hard', and after a busy time people choose to play with more energy, so even harder than before. That's why it means to enjoy activities with extra energy and enthusiasm, often after working hard.