ENGLISH
REFERENCE

play games

idiom
Meaning

To deceive; to lie about one's intentions.


Examples
SIMPLE

Stop playing games and tell me the truth.

CONTEXTUAL

I want a serious answer about the contract, so please stop playing games with me.

COMPLEX

The negotiator realized the other side was merely playing games to delay the final agreement until the deadline passed.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    child's play

    Something particularly easy or simple.

  2. 02

    fun and games

    Recreation; nothing serious; easy, enjoyable activities.

  3. 03

    go play in the traffic

    To go elsewhere and feel free to engage in risky behavior; to get lost.

  4. 04

    grandstand play

    A successful play or other manoeuvre during a sporting competition in which one or more players shows off unnecessarily in order to entertain or impress the spectators.

  5. 05

    hold-up play

    A play where an attacker retains possession of the ball, while the teammates can move up the field.

  6. 06

    number games

    A numbers game: the use of inappropriate statistics (numbers) to reflect a desired result (usually misleading).

  7. 07

    play a part

    To be involved in such a way to affect the outcome, to be a contributing factor.

  8. 08

    play a role

    To have an effect or influence on a situation or outcome; to contribute to something.

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