play fast and loose
To ignore proper behavior or social conventions, especially when it suits one's purpose.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He plays fast and loose with the company rules.”
“The manager plays fast and loose with the budget, often spending money without asking for approval first.”
“By playing fast and loose with the safety regulations for years, the corporation eventually faced a massive lawsuit that threatened its very existence.”
From the con game fast and loose.
- 01
all bedlam breaks loose
The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.
- 02
all hell breaks loose
The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.
- 03
cast loose
To unfasten, loosen, or set free.
- 04
child's play
Something particularly easy or simple.
- 05
come thick and fast
To arrive rapidly in large groups.
- 06
cut loose
To loosen or set free someone or something.
- 07
cut one loose
To flatulate; to fart.
- 08
cut someone loose
To let someone go from something, such as a position, relationship, or obligation.
Last updated August 10, 2026