play a part

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play a part (third-person singular simple present plays a part, present participle playing a part, simple past and past participle played a part)

1. (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.

   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.

   • 1940 May, “Overseas Railways: Icebound Denmark”, in Railway Magazine, page 302:

     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; [...].

• play a role
• have an effect