1
general::
1. Finish, run out, as in This extreme fashion will soon play out, or The tension between factions will surely play itself out by next year. [Late 1500s] 2. Unwind, unreel, as in They slowly played out the cable. Also see PLAYED OUT.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): play something out
1. to play something, such as a game, to the very end. • I was bored with the game, but I felt I had to play it out. • She played out the rest of the game. 2. to unwind, unfold, or unreel something. (See also pay something out.) • Please play some more rope out. • They played out many feet of cable., Phrase(s): play out
[for a process] to run out; to finish. • The whole incident is about to play out. Then it all will be forgotten. • When the event plays out, everything will return to normal.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs