I’ll be glad to return to school,” said Poonam. “The opposite of all work and no play is true. Our minds must come into play (be exercised).”
Rita nodded. “Besides, our sources of entertainment are played out (exhausted). When I play the fool (act stupidly) out of boredom, my parents feel I’m playing up (being a nuisance).”
“I got so tired of doing nothing,” said Poonam, “that I made a play for (tried to get) a holiday job. Unfortunately, the person I relied on didn’t play fair (act honestly). Girish played fast and loose (behaved irresponsibly) with false assurances that he would employ me. I finally realised that I was playing a losing game (could not succeed).”
“Whom did he choose?” asked Rita.
“Our classmate, Sudha,” said Poonam. “She not only played up to (flattered) Girish, but also played upon (made use of) his ambition. She told him that her father was influential, and that it would be good for him to play his cards right (take advantage of an opportunity to do well).
Girish probably thought that if Sudha's father was so powerful, he would be playing with fire (doing something risky) by appointing me. He played safe (took no chances), and gave Sudha the job. I played down (made light of) my disappointment at home, but next time I shall play it cool (deal sensibly with the situation) and get my way. No playing second fiddle (being anything but first) to anyone.”
“Remember, however, warned Rita, “to play no part (not get involved) in schemes like Sudha’s. “It’s a blessing that our teachers are unimpressed by that girl. We can always trust them to act fairly— play the game!”

Match the following:
1. Child’s play                                          a) Pretend ignorance/absence/sleep
2. Play havoc with                                   b) Extremely easy
3. Play possum                                        c) Prove difficult to get to know
4. Play hard to get                                   d) Cause damage