to play (engage in games or play) [+ à (object)] / to play (produce music from a musical instrument) [+ de (object)]

to elbow one's way through, to jostle for position, to push and shove / to elbow one's way to the top

playing card

(figuratively) to run out the clock, to play for time, to use delaying tactics, to stall

to put on an act / to dive (to imitate a foul)

to play big, to play for high stakes

to play the game, to play by the rules, to observe the rules of the game / to play along, to play ball

(derogatory) to play it safe

(games) to play the decider, to play a tiebreaker

(figuratively) to play it straight, to play fair [+ avec (object) = with (someone)]