Play the Game, To 🏀
Definition:
To behave fairly and honorably; also, to go along with a particular set of rules.
Historical Context:
Rudyard Kipling, one of those musty ol’ literary titans, used it in “The Maltese Cat” (1898): “Play the game, don’t talk.” These words of wisdom suggest you should act with integrity and focus on your actions rather than your chatter. Though this usage is somewhat old-fashioned now, it reverberated all the way into the 20th century, especially with American sportswriter Grantland Rice’s poem “Alumnus Football.” Rice proclaimed, “For when the One Great Scorer comes to write against your name, He marks—not that you won or lost—but how you played the game.” It’s essentially the ethical sports carpe diem—it doesn’t matter the result as much as your process. 🐱🏍
🎉 Similar Expressions and Idioms:
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Fair Play 🧑⚖️
- Definition: To follow the rules and treat everyone with fairness.
- Synonyms: Chevalier, sporting behavior.
- Antonyms: Cheating, dishonesty.
- Quote: “Fair play is primarily not blaming others for anything that is wrong with us.” – Eric Hoffer.
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Toe the Line 🦶
- Definition: To conform to rules or standards.
- Synonyms: Compliance, obedience.
- Antonyms: Rebel, flout.
- Quote: “If you’re not willing to toe the line, don’t complain when you’re left behind.” – Fictional soccer coach, Johnny Offside.
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Above Board 💼
- Definition: Open, honest, and legitimate.
- Synonyms: Transparent, candid.
- Antonyms: Underhanded, clandestine.
- Quote: “All my dealings have been above board—easy when you’re flat broke!” – Anonymous.
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Square Deal 🟥
- Definition: A fair, honest agreement or transaction.
- Synonyms: Honest deal, fair arrangement.
- Antonyms: Rip-off, swindle.
- Quote: “A square deal’s all you need to turn a con into conversion, right?” – L. Benderbooks, historian.
Related Proverbs:
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“Honesty is the best policy.” 🌟
- Classic, straightforward wisdom. Live honestly and you’ll sleep better at night.
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“What goes around, comes around.” 🔄
- The universal boomerang of karma. You get what you give.
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“All’s fair in love and war.” 💔⚔️
- Sometimes used to justify less-than-honorable tactics, but don’t skimp on the fairness in the small things.
🎶 Media and Literature Recommendations:
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Literature:
- “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee (Yup, playing fair in a world that’s not so much).
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Movies:
- “The Legend of Bagger Vance” (Yeah, it’s not just about golf; it’s about integrity).
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Music:
- “Fair Game” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (Takes a musical spin on fairness and relationships).
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Poetry:
- “If—” by Rudyard Kipling (Cliché? Overexposed? Sure. But oh, it fits the theme!).
🎮 Quiz Time!
In true gaming spirit, let’s quiz your idiom knowledge:
Final Thought:
As the venerable Kipling might whisper through the mists of time: Remember, it’s not just about playing; it’s about how you choose to play. Stay true to the spirit of the game, and you’ll write a legendary chapter of your own.
Happy Idiom Hunting!
🏀🚀👋
Published by Rhetorica Press, Spreading Wisdom One Page at a Time
Date: October 13, 2023
— Lance Rhetorica
