play

英 [pleɪ]

美 [pleɪ]

v.  玩耍; 游戏; 玩乐; (为玩耍)假装，假扮; 捉弄; 戏弄
n.  游戏; 玩耍; 娱乐; 戏剧; 剧本; 比赛; 赛风; 比赛中的表现

现在分词：playing　过去式：played　过去分词：played　第三人称单数：plays　复数：plays　

中考高考CET4考研计算机

Oxford 3000 / Collins.5 / BNC.224 / COCA.200

短语动词

短语用例

play about/around (with sb/sth)

• 玩弄；乱弄；胡弄
  to behave or treat sth in a careless way
• 鬼混；厮混
  to have a sexual relationship with sb, usually with sb who is not your usual partner
  1. A group of kids were playing with a ball in the street.
     一群孩子在街上玩球。
  2. You'll have to play inside today.
     你今天只能在屋里玩耍。
  3. I haven't got anybody to play with!
     没有人跟我玩儿！
  4. There's a time to work and a time to play.
     工作、玩耍皆有时。
  5. Let's play a different game.
     咱们玩点别的游戏吧。

play along (with sb/sth)

• 假意顺从
  to pretend to agree with sb/sth

play at sth/at doing sth

• 敷衍应付；虚与委蛇
  to do sth without being serious about it or putting much effort into it

play away (from home)

• 在客场打比赛
  to play a match at the opponent's ground or stadium
  1. Who's playing on the wing?
     谁担任边锋？
  2. I've never played right back before.
     我过去从来未当过右后卫。
• 有外遇；搞婚外恋
  to have a secret sexual relationship with sb else
  1. I think we should play Matt on the wing.
     我认为我们应该让麦特打边锋。

play sth↔back (to sb)

• 播放录音（或录像等）
  to play music, film, etc. that has been recorded on a tape, video, etc.
  1. She played her bishop.
     她走象。

play sth↔down

• 减低…的重要性；贬低；淡化
  to try to make sth seem less important than it is

play A off against B

• 挑拨离间（以便渔利）
  to put two people or groups in competition with each other, especially in order to get an advantage for yourself
  1. Play their new CD for me, please.
     请把他们的新唱片放给我听一下吧。
  2. Play me their new CD, please.
     请给我放一下他们的新唱片吧。
  3. My favourite song was playing on the radio.
     收音机里播放着我最喜爱的歌曲。

play on

• 继续比赛；恢复比赛
  to continue to play; to start playing again
  1. The part of Elizabeth was played by Cate Blanchett.
     伊丽莎白这一角色由凯特∙布兰切特扮演。
  2. He had always wanted to play Othello.
     他一直想扮演奥赛罗。

play on/upon sth

• 利用（感情等）
  to take advantage of sb's feelings, etc.
  1. A production of ‘Carmen’ was playing to packed houses.
     剧作《卡门》上演爆棚。

play sth↔out

• 发生；出现
  when an event is played out , it happens
  1. The media played an important part in the last election.
     大众传媒在上一次选举中发挥了重要作用。

play yourself/itself out

• 消耗净尽；使精疲力竭
  to become weak and no longer useful or important
  1. He played the situation carefully for maximum advantage.
     他谨慎应付局面以获得最大利益。

play up

play sb up

• （给某人）添麻烦；使痛苦
  to cause sb problems or pain

play sth↔up

• 夸大…的重要性；渲染；吹嘘
  to try to make sth seem more important than it is

play with sb/sth

• 玩弄人；玩弄感情
  to treat sb who is emotionally attached to you in a way that is not serious and which can hurt their feelings
  1. the happy sounds of children at play
     儿童嬉戏的欢闹声
  2. the importance of learning through play
     寓教于乐的重要性
  3. a play area
     游戏的场地

play with sth

• 摆弄；玩弄
  to keep touching or moving sth
  1. to put on (= perform) a play
     演出戏剧
  2. a play by Shakespeare
     一出莎士比亚的戏剧
  3. a radio play
     广播剧
• 巧妙地利用；新奇（或幽默等）地运用
  to use things in different ways to produce an interesting or humorous effect, or to see what effect they have

习惯用语

v.

have money, time, etc. to play with
• 有的是金钱（或时间等）
  to have plenty of money, time, etc. for doing sth
what is sb playing at?
• （气愤时的质问语）某人在搞什么名堂？
  used to ask in an angry way about what sb is doing
• What do you think you are playing at?
  你以为你在搞什么名堂？
play with yourself
• 手淫
  to masturbate

n.

in/out of play
• 在非死球 / 死球区域；在可继续 / 不能继续比赛区域
  inside/outside the area allowed by the rules of the game
• She just managed to keep the ball in play.
  她把球勉强保持在界内。
make a play for sb/sth
• 企图得到；处心积虑做事
  to try to obtain sth; to do things that are intended to produce a particular result
• She was making a play for the sales manager's job.
  她千方百计要取得销售部经理的位置。
make great/much play of sth
• 强调；着重说明
  to emphasize the importance of a particular fact
• He made great play of the fact that his uncle was a duke.
  他特别强调自己的叔父是位公爵。
a play on words
• 双关语；语带双关
  the humorous use of a word or phrase that can have two different meanings
call sth into play
• 利用；使用
  to make use of sth
• Chess is a game that calls into play all your powers of concentration.
  国际象棋是一项需要全神贯注的活动。
be child's play
• 极容易做；轻而易举
  to be very easy to do, so not even a child would find it difficult
the state of playthe state of playall work and no play (makes Jack a dull boy)
• 只工作不玩耍，聪明的孩子也变傻
  it is not healthy to spend all your time working; you need to relax too

牛津词典

verb

儿童 of children
• 玩耍；游戏；玩乐
  to do things for pleasure, as children do; to enjoy yourself, rather than work
  1. A group of kids were playing with a ball in the street.
     一群孩子在街上玩球。
  2. You'll have to play inside today.
     你今天只能在屋里玩耍。
  3. I haven't got anybody to play with!
     没有人跟我玩儿！
  4. There's a time to work and a time to play.
     工作、玩耍皆有时。
  5. Let's play a different game.
     咱们玩点别的游戏吧。
• （为玩耍）假装，假扮
  to pretend to be or do sth for fun
  1. Let's play pirates.
     咱们假扮海盗玩吧！
  2. They were playing at being cowboys.
     他们装扮成牛仔玩。
把戏 trick
• 捉弄；戏弄
  to trick sb for fun
运动；比赛 sports/games
• 参加比赛；（同某人）比赛
  to be involved in a game; to compete against sb in a game
  1. to play football/chess/cards, etc.
     踢足球、下棋、玩纸牌等
  2. Have you played her at squash yet?
     你跟她打过壁球没有？
  3. France are playing Wales tomorrow.
     明天法国队和威尔士队比赛。
  4. He plays for Cleveland.
     他加入克利夫兰队参赛。
  5. France are playing against Wales on Saturday.
     星期六法国队迎战威尔士队。
  6. Evans played very well.
     埃文斯比赛很出色。
• （在运动队中）担当，充任
  to take a particular position in a sports team
  1. Who's playing on the wing?
     谁担任边锋？
  2. I've never played right back before.
     我过去从来未当过右后卫。
• 派…出场；让…加入运动队
  to include sb in a sports team
  1. I think we should play Matt on the wing.
     我认为我们应该让麦特打边锋。
• 触，带，踢，击（球）
  to make contact with the ball and hit or kick it in the way mentioned
  1. She played the ball and ran forward.
     她带球向前冲。
  2. He played a backhand volley.
     他用反手截击球。
• 走（子）；行（棋）
  to move a piece in chess , etc.
  1. She played her bishop.
     她走象。
• 出牌
  to put a card face upwards on the table, showing its value
  1. to play your ace/a trump
     出A / 王牌
  2. He played out of turn!
     他抢出牌！
音乐 music
• 弹拨，吹奏（乐器）；演奏
  to perform on a musical instrument; to perform music
  1. to play the piano/violin/flute, etc.
     弹钢琴、拉小提琴、吹长笛等
  2. He played a tune on his harmonica.
     他用口琴吹奏了一支曲子。
  3. Play that new piece to us.
     给我们演奏那支新曲子吧。
  4. Play us that new piece.
     给我们演奏那支新曲子吧。
  5. In the distance a band was playing.
     远处有个乐队在演奏。
• 播放
  to make a tape, CD, etc. produce sound
  1. Play their new CD for me, please.
     请把他们的新唱片放给我听一下吧。
  2. Play me their new CD, please.
     请给我放一下他们的新唱片吧。
  3. My favourite song was playing on the radio.
     收音机里播放着我最喜爱的歌曲。
扮演；演出 act/perform
• （在电影、话剧中）扮角色，扮演，表演
  to act in a play, film/movie, etc.; to act the role of sb
  1. The part of Elizabeth was played by Cate Blanchett.
     伊丽莎白这一角色由凯特∙布兰切特扮演。
  2. He had always wanted to play Othello.
     他一直想扮演奥赛罗。
• 佯装；假装
  to pretend to be sth that you are not
  1. I decided it was safer to play dead .
     我拿定主意装死会更安全些。
  2. She enjoys playing the wronged wife.
     她很喜欢扮演受委屈的妻子。
• 上演；演出
  to be performed
  1. A production of ‘Carmen’ was playing to packed houses.
     剧作《卡门》上演爆棚。
起作用 have effect
• 发挥（作用）
  to have an effect on sth
  1. The media played an important part in the last election.
     大众传媒在上一次选举中发挥了重要作用。
局面 situation
• （以某种方式）应付，处理
  to deal with a situation in the way mentioned
  1. He played the situation carefully for maximum advantage.
     他谨慎应付局面以获得最大利益。
光；微笑 of light/a smile
• 闪烁；浮现；掠过
  to move or appear quickly and lightly, often changing direction or shape
  1. Sunlight played on the surface of the lake.
     阳光在湖面上闪烁。
喷泉 of fountain
• 喷涌；涌流
  when a fountain plays , it produces a steady stream of water

noun

儿童 children
• 游戏；玩耍；娱乐
  things that people, especially children, do for pleasure rather than as work
  1. the happy sounds of children at play
     儿童嬉戏的欢闹声
  2. the importance of learning through play
     寓教于乐的重要性
  3. a play area
     游戏的场地
剧院 in theatre
• 戏剧；剧本
  a piece of writing performed by actors in a theatre or on television or radio
  1. to put on (= perform) a play
     演出戏剧
  2. a play by Shakespeare
     一出莎士比亚的戏剧
  3. a radio play
     广播剧
体育运动 in sport
• 比赛；赛风；比赛中的表现
  the playing of a game
  1. Rain stopped play.
     因雨停赛。
  2. There was some excellent play in yesterday's match.
     昨天的比赛有精彩的场面。
• 比赛中的动作
  an action or move in a game
  1. a defensive play
     防守动作
绳索 in rope
• 间隙；活动空间
  the possibility of free and easy movement
  1. We need more play in the rope.
     我们需要再松一松绳子。
活动；影响 activity/influence
• 活动；作用；影响
  the activity or operation of sth; the influence of sth on sth else
  1. the free play of market forces
     市场力量的自由调节作用
  2. The financial crisis has brought new factors into play .
     财政危机已引发了新的变数。
  3. Personal feelings should not come into play when you are making business decisions.
     为公事作决策不应掺入个人感情成分。
光；笑容 of light/a smile
• 轻快变幻的动作；闪烁；闪现
  a light, quick movement that keeps changing
  1. the play of sunlight on water
     阳光在水面上的闪烁

柯林斯词典

• VERB 玩；玩耍
  When children, animals, or perhaps adultsplay, they spend time doing enjoyable things, such as using toys and taking part in games.
  1. ...invite the children round to play...
     邀请孩子们来玩
  2. They played in the little garden...
     他们在小花园里玩耍。
  3. Polly was playing with her teddy bear.
     波莉正在玩她的泰迪熊。
  4. Playis also a noun.
     
  5. ...a few hours of play until the babysitter takes them off to bed.
     几个小时的玩耍，直到保姆带他们去睡觉
• V-RECIP 参加（体育活动、比赛等）
  When youplaya sport, game, or match, you take part in it.
  1. While the twins played cards, Francis sat reading...
     那对双胞胎玩扑克牌的时候，弗朗西斯坐着看书。
  2. Alain was playing cards with his friends...
     阿兰正和朋友打扑克牌。
  3. I used to play basketball...
     我过去常打篮球。
  4. I want to play for my country...
     我想代表自己的国家参加比赛。
  5. He captained the team but he didn't actually play.
     他是球队的队长，但实际上却并未上场。
  6. Playis also a noun.
     
  7. Both sides adopted the Continental style of play.
     双方都采用了欧陆式打法。
• VERB （和…）比赛
  When one person or teamplaysanother orplays againstthem, they compete against them in a sport or game.
  1. Northern Ireland will play Latvia...
     北爱尔兰队将对阵拉脱维亚队。
  2. I've played against him a few times.
     我已多次和他交手。
  3. Playis also a noun.
     
  4. Fischer won after 5 hours and 41 minutes of play.
     经过5小时41分钟的较量，菲舍尔获得了胜利。
• VERB （比赛等中）打出，踢出，击出（球）
  When youplaythe ball orplaya shot in a game or sport, you kick or hit the ball.
  1. Think first before playing the ball...
     踢出球前先想一想。
  2. Sikander Bakht played a bad shot...
     西坎德尔·巴克特击出一记坏球。
  3. I played the ball back slightly.
     我把球轻轻打了回去。
• VERB 开（玩笑）；耍（花招）；搞（恶作剧）
  If youplaya joke or a trickonsomeone, you deceive them or give them a surprise in a way that you think is funny, but that often causes problems for them or annoys them.
  1. Someone had played a trick on her, stretched a piece of string at the top of those steps...
     有人搞恶作剧整她，在最高的台阶上拉了一根绳子。
  2. I thought: 'This cannot be happening, somebody must be playing a joke'.
     我想：“这不可能发生，肯定是谁在开玩笑。”
• VERB 随意摆弄；弄着玩
  If youplay withan object or with your hair, you keep moving it or touching it with your fingers, perhaps because you are bored or nervous.
  1. She stared at the floor, idly playing with the strap of her handbag.
     她眼睛盯着地板，漫不经心地摆弄着手提包的带子。
• N-COUNT 剧本；戏剧
  Aplayis a piece of writing which is performed in a theatre, on the radio, or on television.
  1. The company put on a play about the homeless...
     这家剧团上演了一出讲述无家可归者的戏。
  2. It's my favourite Shakespeare play.
     它是我最喜欢的一部莎士比亚戏剧。
• VERB 扮演，饰演（角色等）
  If an actorplaysa role or character in a play or film, he or she performs the part of that character.
  1. ...Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, in which he played Hyde...
     他在其中饰演海德一角的《化身博士》
  2. His ambition is to play the part of Dracula.
     他渴望扮演德拉库拉。
• V-LINK 装扮；假装；充当
  You can useplayto describe how someone behaves, when they are deliberately behaving in a certain way or like a certain type of person. For example, toplay the innocent, means to pretend to be innocent, and toplay deafmeans to pretend not to hear something.
  1. Hill tried to play the peacemaker...
     希尔想要充当和事佬。
  2. She was just playing the devoted mother...
     她只是装得像个尽心尽责的母亲似的。
  3. So you want to play nervous today?
     这么说你今天想装出一副紧张的样子了？
• VERB （以…方式）对待，处置，处理
  You can describe how someone deals with a situation by saying that theyplay itin a certain way. For example, if someoneplays it cool, they keep calm and do not show much emotion, and if someoneplays it straight, they behave in an honest and direct way.
  1. Investors are playing it cautious, and they're playing it smart.
     投资者审慎精明地行事。
• V-ERG 演奏（乐器或乐曲）
  If youplaya musical instrument orplaya tune on a musical instrument, or if a musical instrumentplays, music is produced from it.
  1. Nina had been playing the piano...
     尼娜一直都在弹钢琴。
  2. Two people played jazz on a piano...
     两人联手在一架钢琴上演奏爵士乐。
  3. He played for me...
     他为我弹奏。
  4. Place your baby in her seat and play her a lullaby...
     把宝宝放到座位上，给她弹一首摇篮曲。
  5. The guitars played.
     吉他声响起。
• V-ERG 播放（唱片、CD或磁带）
  If youplaya record, a CD, or a tape, you put it into a machine and sound is produced. If a record, CD, or tapeis playing, sound is being produced from it.
  1. She played her records too loudly...
     她播放唱片时音量太大了。
  2. Every evening in those days the BBC played 'God Save The King'...
     那些日子里，英国广播公司每天晚上都会播放《天佑吾王》。
  3. The records were played on the radio...
     这些唱片在收音机里播放过。
  4. There is classical music playing in the background.
     背景里有古典音乐在播放。
• VERB （音乐家、乐队等）表演；举办（音乐会）
  If a musician or group of musiciansplaysorplaysa concert, they perform music for people to listen or dance to.
  1. A band was playing...
     乐队在表演。
  2. He will play concerts in Amsterdam and Paris.
     他将在阿姆斯特丹和巴黎举办音乐会。
• VERB （光）轻快地移动
  When lightplayssomewhere, it moves about on a surface in an unsteady way.
  1. The sun played on the frosty roofs.
     阳光在结霜的屋顶上闪烁变幻。
• PHRASE 搞什么名堂；干什么蠢事
  If you askwhatsomeoneis playing at, you are angry because you think they are doing something stupid or wrong.
  1. What the hell are you playing at?
     你究竟在搞什么名堂？
• PHRASE （使）开始活动；（使）投入使用； （使）开始起作用
  When somethingcomes into playoris brought into play, it begins to be used or to have an effect.
  1. The real existence of a military option will come into play...
     存在选择军事手段的切实可能这一点将会起到作用。
  2. Breathing brings many muscles into play.
     呼吸使很多肌肉活动起来。
• PHRASE （在…中）发挥作用，产生影响
  If something or someoneplays a partorplays a role ina situation, they are involved in it and have an effect on it.
  1. They played a part in the life of their community...
     他们参与到了自己社区的生活中。
  2. The UN would play a major role in monitoring a ceasefire.
     联合国在监督停火方面会发挥重要作用。
  3. ...the role played by diet in disease.
     节食在疾病中扮演的角色
• toplay ball→ see:ball

英英释义

noun

• the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully
  Synonym:swordplay
• the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
  1. his gambling cost him a fortune
  2. there was heavy play at the blackjack table
  Synonym:gamblinggaming
• activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules
  1. Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child
  Synonym:child's play
• (game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession
  1. it is my turn
  2. it is still my play
  Synonym:turn
• gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement
  1. it was all done in play
  2. their frolic in the surf threatened to become ugly
  Synonym:frolicrompgambolcaper
• a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill
  1. he made a great maneuver
  2. the runner was out on a play by the shortstop
  Synonym:maneuvermanoeuvre
• a preset plan of action in team sports
  1. the coach drew up the plays for her team
• an attempt to get something
  1. they made a futile play for power
  2. he made a bid to gain attention
  Synonym:bid
• utilization or exercise
  1. the play of the imagination
• movement or space for movement
  1. there was too much play in the steering wheel
  Synonym:looseness
• verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)
  1. he became a figure of fun
  2. he said it in sport
  Synonym:funsport
• a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
  1. he wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway
  Synonym:dramadramatic play
• a theatrical performance of a drama
  1. the play lasted two hours
• a weak and tremulous light
  1. the shimmer of colors on iridescent feathers
  2. the play of light on the water
  Synonym:shimmer
• the removal of constraints
  1. he gave free rein to his impulses
  2. they gave full play to the artist's talent
  Synonym:free rein
• a state in which action is feasible
  1. the ball was still in play
  2. insiders said the company's stock was in play
• (in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds
  1. rain stopped play in the 4th inning
  Synonym:playing periodperiod of play

verb

• engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously
  1. They played games on their opponents
  2. play the stock market
  3. play with her feelings
  4. toy with an idea
  Synonym:toy
• pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
  1. He acted the idiot
  2. She plays deaf when the news are bad
  Synonym:actact as
• exhaust by allowing to pull on the line
  1. play a hooked fish
• consider not very seriously
  1. He is trifling with her
  2. She plays with the thought of moving to Tasmania
  Synonym:dallytrifle
• participate in games or sport
  1. We played hockey all afternoon
  2. play cards
  3. Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches
• contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle
  1. Princeton plays Yale this weekend
  2. Charlie likes to play Mary
  Synonym:meetencountertake on
• employ in a game or in a specific position
  1. They played him on first base
• use or move
  1. I had to play my queen
• shoot or hit in a particular manner
  1. She played a good backhand last night
• bet or wager (money)
  1. He played $20 on the new horse
  2. She plays the races
• put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game
  1. He is playing his cards close to his chest
  2. The Democrats still have some cards to play before they will concede the electoral victory
• stake on the outcome of an issue
  1. I bet $100 on that new horse
  2. She played all her money on the dark horse
  Synonym:betwager
• make bets
  1. Play the races
  2. play the casinos in Trouville
• use to one's advantage
  1. She plays on her clients' emotions
• discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream
  1. play water from a hose
  2. The fountains played all day
• manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination
  1. She played nervously with her wedding ring
  2. Don't fiddle with the screws
  3. He played with the idea of running for the Senate
  Synonym:toyfiddlediddle
• cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
  1. I cannot work a miracle
  2. wreak havoc
  3. bring comments
  4. play a joke
  5. The rain brought relief to the drought-stricken area
  Synonym:bringworkwreakmake for
• perform on a certain location
  1. The prodigy played Carnegie Hall at the age of 16
  2. She has been playing on Broadway for years
• be performed or presented for public viewing
  1. What's playing in the local movie theater?
  2. `Cats' has been playing on Broadway for many years
• cause to emit recorded audio or video
  1. They ran the tapes over and over again
  2. I'll play you my favorite record
  3. He never tires of playing that video
  Synonym:run
• emit recorded sound
  1. The tape was playing for hours
  2. the stereo was playing Beethoven when I entered
• play a role or part
  1. Gielgud played Hamlet
  2. She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role
  3. She played the servant to her husband's master
  Synonym:actrepresent
• perform on a stage or theater
  1. She acts in this play
  2. He acted in `Julius Caesar'
  3. I played in `A Christmas Carol'
  Synonym:actroleplayplayact
• pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity
  1. Let's play like I am mommy
  2. Play cowboy and Indians
• replay (as a melody)
  1. Play it again, Sam
  2. She played the third movement very beautifully
  Synonym:spiel
• play on an instrument
  1. The band played all night long
• perform music on (a musical instrument)
  1. He plays the flute
  2. Can you play on this old recorder?
• move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly
  1. The spotlights played on the politicians
• cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space
  1. The engine has a wheel that is playing in a rack
• act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
  1. This factor played only a minor part in his decision
  2. This development played into her hands
  3. I played no role in your dismissal
• engage in recreational activities rather than work
  1. On weekends I play
  2. The students all recreate alike
  Synonym:recreate
• be at play
  1. The kids were playing outside all day
  2. I used to play with trucks as a little girl
• behave carelessly or indifferently
  1. Play about with a young girl's affection
  Synonym:dallytoyflirt
• behave in a certain way
  1. play safe
  2. play it safe
  3. play fair
• be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way
  1. This speech didn't play well with the American public
  2. His remarks played to the suspicions of the committee

双语例句

• Investors are playing it cautious, and they're playing it smart.
  投资者审慎精明地行事。
• He captained the team but he didn't actually play.
  他是球队的队长，但实际上却并未上场。
• So you want to play nervous today?
  这么说你今天想装出一副紧张的样子了？
• I want to play for my country
  我想代表自己的国家参加比赛。
• I used to play basketball
  我过去常打篮球。
• It's my favourite Shakespeare play.
  它是我最喜欢的一部莎士比亚戏剧。
• The real existence of a military option will come into play
  存在选择军事手段的切实可能这一点将会起到作用。
• Someone had played a trick on her, stretched a piece of string at the top of those steps
  有人搞恶作剧整她，在最高的台阶上拉了一根绳子。
• I thought: 'This cannot be happening, somebody must be playing a joke'.
  我想：“这不可能发生，肯定是谁在开玩笑。”
• I played the ball back slightly.
  我把球轻轻打了回去。