play a part
verb1
Idiomatic To be involved in such a way to affect the outcome, to be a contributing factor.
- I'd like to play a part in the initial design.
- The roads were foggy during the accident but alcohol may have also played a part.
3 more examples
- Exercise played a major part in his weight loss.
- My decision to leave home at the age of sixteen played a big part in my personal development.
- Pack ice, at times mounting to a height of 35 ft., snow, fog, and floating mines all played their part in the disorganisation of railway services, and most of the train ferry services were completely suspended for a month or more; [...].1940 May, “Overseas Railways: Icebound Denmark”, in Railway Magazine, page 302:
- Synonyms
- play a role, have an effect