He played hooky from school to watch a movie.
play hooky
idiomTo play truant; to avoid (informally: skip) school, work, or other duties (stay away from these without permission nor an excuse); to skive or to bunk off (UK);
Origin
disputed originSee hooky for its origin; the construction of the phrase is in the same vein as play truant.
My coworker played hooky last Friday and pretended to be sick, but we saw her at the beach.
The rebellious teenager, weary of algebra and essays, played hooky for the third time that month and wandered the empty streets until dusk.
- 01
child's play
Something particularly easy or simple.
- 02
go play in the traffic
To go elsewhere and feel free to engage in risky behavior; to get lost.
- 03
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.
- 04
hold-up play
A play where an attacker retains possession of the ball, while the teammates can move up the field.
- 05
play a part
To be involved in such a way to affect the outcome, to be a contributing factor.
- 06
play a role
To have an effect or influence on a situation or outcome; to contribute to something.
- 07
play all one's cards
To use all one's resources.
- 08
play along
To take part in a charade, deception, or practical joke.
Last updated April 17, 2026