Differences between bowl out and play out

Bowl out means to dismiss or get rid of someone or something, usually in a forceful or abrupt manner. On the other hand, play out means to continue or unfold until the end, often referring to a situation or event.

Meanings and Definitions: bowl out vs play out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Bowl out

1Hit someone's wicket in cricket with the ball.
He BOWLED the player OUT first ball.

Play out

1Progress, often till it finishes.
Let's see how things PLAY OUT.
2Pretend that something is real and reduce its effect.
Computer games allow people to PLAY OUT their violent urges.
3Play something to the end.
Rain stopped them PLAYING the game OUT.
4Unwind ( e.g., fishing line ).
When he hooked the swordfish, his line rapidly PLAYED OUT.

Usage Examples: bowl out, play out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

bowl out

Example

The bowler tried to bowl out the batsman.

Example

He bowls out the batsman with a fast delivery.

play out

Example

We will have to wait and see how the situation plays out.

Example

She plays out her strategy carefully in the game.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Bowl out

kick out

To force someone to leave a place or group, usually due to inappropriate behavior or actions.

Example

The bouncer had to kick out the rowdy customers who were causing trouble at the bar.

give the boot

To dismiss or fire someone from a job or position.

Example

The manager had to give the boot to the employee who was consistently late and unproductive.

show the door

To escort someone out of a place or situation, usually in a rude or abrupt manner.

Example

After the argument, the host had to show the door to the guest who refused to calm down.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Play out

unfold

To happen or develop gradually over time, often referring to a situation or event.

Example

The drama between the two coworkers unfolded slowly over several weeks, leading to a heated argument in the office.

run its course

To continue naturally until it reaches its conclusion, often referring to a process or situation.

Example

The flu virus needs to run its course before the patient can fully recover.

pan out

To turn out well or successfully, often referring to a plan or idea.

Example

The new marketing strategy panned out better than expected, resulting in increased sales and customer engagement.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “bowl”

bowl over

Phrasal Verbs with “play”

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

pop out
scout out
branch out
level out
spell out

Differences in bowl out vs play out: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: bowl out or play out?

In everyday conversation, play out is more common than bowl out. This is because play out can be used in various contexts, such as sports, movies, or real-life situations. Bowl out is not used as much and is mainly used in specific situations where someone or something needs to be dismissed.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of bowl out and play out

Bowl out and play out are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, play out can also be used in more formal settings like business or academic contexts.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of bowl out and play out

The tone of bowl out and play out can differ based on context. Bowl out often carries a negative or harsh tone when referring to dismissing someone or something. In contrast, play out typically has a neutral or positive tone, especially when referring to a situation or event that is unfolding naturally.

bowl out & play out: Synonyms and Antonyms

Bowl out

Synonyms

dismiss
wicket
get out

Antonyms

not out
stay in
continue batting

Play out

Synonyms

Antonyms