dirty pool
Foul play; misconduct; underhandedness.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“That was dirty pool, and you know it.”
“The other team hid our equipment before the match, which was clearly dirty pool.”
“His decision to leak confidential documents to the press during the negotiation was widely condemned as dirty pool.”
disputed origin
Probably an allusion to failing to follow the rules when playing billiards. Compare not cricket.
- 01
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 02
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 03
dirty laundry
Unflattering or embarrassing facts, or questionable activities that one wants to remain secret, but which someone else may use as blackmail.
- 04
dirty look
An unpleasant or disdainful look or expression, often directed at someone.
- 05
dirty money
Money that is illegally gained, illegally transferred or illegally utilized, especially money gained through forgery, bribery, prostitution, money laundering, or theft.
- 06
dirty word
The name of a topic that a person prefers not to hear or discuss.
- 07
dirty work
One or more unpleasant tasks, assignments, or employment duties, especially those of a disreputable or illicit nature.
- 08
do the dirty on
To treat (someone) in an unfair manner; to cheat or betray.
Last updated August 10, 2026