play at
verb1
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see play, at.
- The band are playing at the Odeon tonight.
2
To pretend to be a different person while playing a game.
- So we played at being pirates for a while.
3
To do something in a manner that lacks seriousness, commitment, or professionalism.
- In my opinion, John only plays at being an author. He hasn't sold more than two magazine articles in as many months.
- 'You don't like him, Captain, do you?' 'No, I don't. He plays at being loyal.'2015, Andrew O'Hagan, The Illuminations, →ISBN, page 94:
4
Especially, In rhetorical questions Used to suggest that someone is doing something very wrong, or incorrectly, usually with the possibility of causing damage or harm.
- Hey! Stop throwing stones at the swans! What on earth do you think you're playing at?
5
Archaic To play (a game).