[play off] {v.}
1. To match opposing persons, forces, or interests so that they balance each other.
* /The girl played off her admirers against each other./* /Britain tried to play off European nations against each other so that she would have a balance of power./
2. To finish the playing of (an interrupted contest.)
* /The visitors came back the next Saturday to play off the game stopped by rain./
3. To settle (a tie score) between contestants by more play. /When each player had won two matches, the championship was decided by playing off the tie./
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