ENGLISH
REFERENCE

play hard to get

idiom
Meaning

Of a courtship, to be coy; to feign lack of romantic interest in a certain person, so as to compel that person to be more overt in expressing interest.


Examples
SIMPLE

She is playing hard to get with him.

CONTEXTUAL

He kept texting her, but she was playing hard to get to see if he was truly interested.

COMPLEX

Although she felt a strong connection, she decided to play hard to get, hoping that a little distance would encourage him to pursue her more earnestly.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as it gets

    As it is possible to be.

  2. 02

    been there, done that, got the T-shirt

    Alternative form of been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.

  3. 03

    bone hard

    As hard as a bone, rock hard.

  4. 04

    can't get enough

    Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.

  5. 05

    cat got someone's tongue

    Why is someone not saying anything?

  6. 06

    child's play

    Something particularly easy or simple.

  7. 07

    cold hard cash

    Money, regarded as an incentive that can override any doubts or ethical concerns.

  8. 08

    could not get elected dogcatcher

    Said of someone, particularly a politician, who is extremely unpopular.

Last updated April 17, 2026