play to win

Definitions

1. 1

   To play in an especially competitive, committed manner, focused intently on winning.

   • "[W]e just got totally outplayed. Instead of playing to win, we were playing not to lose."
2. 2

   To make a special, determined effort to achieve general success or a particular goal, in…

   To make a special, determined effort to achieve general success or a particular goal, in life, in one's career, in negotiation, etc.

   • "The difference between playing to win and playing not to lose is the difference between the successful executive and the security-hunting, mediocre man.
   • And Bullock could care less about the judge's threats. Like always, he was playing to win.

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