The crossword solutions for the term PLAY, IN A WAY are STRUM (5 letters) and AIR (3 letters). STRUM is a verb which means to play a stringed instrument such as a guitar or ukulele by running your fingers across the strings. AIR is a verb which means to perform a piece of music on a wind instrument such as a flute or trumpet. Therefore, the two solutions together suggest playing a musical instrument in a way that is not traditional.