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Sat 2 Feb, 2008 02:59 am
As global stock markets went wild last week, financial commentators resurrected an old metaphor about infectious diseases of the upper respiratory system. "When the United States sneezes, does the world catch a cold?" they asked. It's an intelligent question, the answer to which will largely determine whether the current slowdown turns into a worldwide slump. However it plays out, one thing is sure: the rest of the world will cushion America's slide. And that says a lot about the new global order.
The above is the context in which "plays out" is used.
Basically this phrase has two meanings:
1: exhaust
2: act until finish.
But I just could not figure out which of the 2 senses is used in this particular context? Or it means something else?
I would paraphrase that phrase as "however the American slowdown develops".
Quote:The above is the context in which "plays out" is used.
Basically this phrase has two meanings:
1: exhaust
2: act until finish.
"Plays out" is used here as metaphor. You can't tell the final score at the end of the first half. You have to wait until the game has been played (or played out) before you can settle your bets.
Contrex's paraphrase is accurate.
be performed to the end
to continue to play something to the finish
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