overplay
/ˌoʊvərˈpleɪ/
verb
- To give too much importance or attention to something; to exaggerate.
- He overplayed his hand in the negotiation by demanding too much, and the deal fell through.
- Don't overplay your role in the project; everyone contributed equally.
- The media tends to overplay minor scandals, making them seem much worse than they are.
- In sports or games, to make a mistake by trying too hard or being too aggressive.
- The tennis player overplayed a simple shot and sent the ball into the net.
- In chess, it's easy to overplay your position and leave your king vulnerable.
- The striker overplayed the ball, losing possession at a critical moment.
- To perform a role or piece of music in an exaggerated or overly dramatic way.
- Critics said the director overplayed the dramatic scenes, making the film feel melodramatic.
- The actor overplayed the villain, making him seem cartoonish instead of menacing.
- The pianist overplayed the emotional sections, losing the subtlety of the piece.
Synonyms