Definition

Adjective Phrase 1. In sports, especially ball games: Describes a ball or puck that is not in active play according to the rules of the game. The game is temporarily stopped, and actions involving the ball are not valid. - The referee blew the whistle because the ball was out of play. - He kicked the ball after it was already out of play and received a yellow card.

Usage

• Used primarily in the context of organized sports and games (e.g., soccer/football, rugby, hockey).
• Typically follows the verb "to be" (is, was, are, were).
• The phrase describes the state of the ball/puck, not a player's action.

Examples

• Adjective Phrase:
  • The linesman raised the flag to signal the ball was out of play.
  • A goal cannot be scored while the ball is out of play.
  • The player was penalized for handling the ball when it was clearly out of play.

Advanced Usage

• "to put the ball out of play": A deliberate action by a player to stop the game, often for tactical reasons or due to an injury.
  • The defender kicked the ball out of play so the injured player could receive treatment.
• "to be ruled out of play": A formal decision by an official.
  • The goal was disallowed as the ball was ruled out of play.

Variants and Related Words

• Dead ball (n): A common synonym in many sports for when the ball is out of play.
  • The game restarts with a dead ball situation.
• In play (adj. phrase): The opposite state; the ball is active and within the rules of the game.
  • The ball remained in play despite touching the line.

Synonyms

• Not in play: A more literal synonym.
• Dead: Informal sports terminology (e.g., "The ball is dead").

Related Phrases

• Out of bounds (adj. phrase): Specifically means the ball has crossed a boundary line. This is often the reason a ball becomes "out of play."
  • The ball went out of bounds, so it was out of play.

Adjective

1. (of a ball) "a ball that is out of play is dead"