English Reference
Idiom idiom

play games


To deceive; to lie about one's intentions.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


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.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    away game

    An athletic contest played away from the team's home field.

  2. 02

    back in the game

    Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.

  3. 03

    blame game

    A situation in which people attempt to blame others rather than trying to resolve a problem.

  4. 04

    change the game

    To revolutionize a field of endeavor.

  5. 05

    child's play

    Something particularly easy or simple.

  6. 06

    fair game

    Actions permissible by the rules.

  7. 07

    for the love of the game

    Doing something for one's own enjoyment or other intrinsic desire to do so; not for other reasons such as money or other ulterior motives.

  8. 08

    fun and games

    Recreation; nothing serious; easy, enjoyable activities.

Last updated August 10, 2026