play along

verb plays along · playing along · played along

1. idiomatic To take part in a charade, deception, or practical joke. James thought it was cruel for the fraternity members to make the pledge think his father had died suddenly and refused to play along.
2. idiomatic To participate in a joke or trick while hiding one's knowledge of its true nature. I knew that my blind date was an April Fools trick, but I played along anyway.
3. idiomatic To play a musical instrument in synchrony with a playback of a recording. I like to practise guitar by playing along with records.
4. US, idiomatic To cooperate or go along with a plan. I have doubts about your plan, but I'll play along for now.
5. US, idiomatic To pretend to cooperate or go along with a plan. I haven't told him yet, I'm still playing along with his scheme.
6. UK, idiomatic To manipulate (someone). The con man plays his victims along until he senses the moment to ask for money.
7. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see play, along. The children spent the day playing along the river.