Play the market
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Financial Risk
This phrase often suggests the possibility of losing money, reflecting the uncertainty in market investments. 
Even after losing some savings last year, Uncle Joe still likes to play the market.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Language
'Play the market' is casual; in professional settings, phrases like 'invest in the stock market' are more common. 
At the dinner party, they bragged about how they play the market.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal Play
While 'play' usually means sport or fun, here it means engaging in the market with serious financial intent. 
She decided to play the market with her bonus, hoping for substantial returns.