played the field
Avoided romantic commitment
Played the field means pursued romantic or sexual relationships with multiple people rather than committing to one.
The field metaphor suggests a range of available partners to choose from: After his divorce, he played the field for a few years before settling down.
Sometimes extended to exploring options generally: She played the field before accepting a job offer.
- flirtingPlayfully showing romantic interest
- adventureRisky exciting undertaking
- courtshipSeeking another's romantic favor
- polyamoryConsensual multiple romantic relationships
- independenceFreedom from external control
sowing wild oats · options · love triangle · experimentation · choice · novelty · flexibility · curiosity · trial-and-error · noncommittal · detachment · autonomy · sampling · keeping options open · liberation · avoidance · attraction · heartbreak
played the fieldsettled down
Became calm or stationary
committed · tied the knot · got hitched · married · wed
played the fieldsettled down
Became calm or stationary
took the plunge · popped the question · got married · put down roots · started a family
play, played, playing, plays, player, players, playful, playfully, playfulness