This is adaptation at play

[anhnha]

As one famous study on lottery winners showed: winners reported that, after their initial euphoria, their happiness levels eventually evened out to their pre-jackpot days. This is adaptation at play.

Source: Book Summary: The Upside of Irrationality by Dan Ariely.

What is the meaning of "at play" in "adaptation at play" here? Thank you.

 

[bhaisahab]

"in progress"; "working"

 

[teechar]

I was really surprised that I could only find a reference to this sense of "at play" in the Longman Dictionary.

http://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/play_2

 

[Rover_KE]

Longman is not regarded as being one of the best dictionaries.

 

[teechar]

Perhaps. But at least it's got that entry for "at play" in it! I reiterate that I find it odd the other mainstream dictionaries don't. :shock:

 

[Rover_KE]

Fair enough. I misread your post #3.