# play Old Harry

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/play-old-harry
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To play the devil; to make mischief.

## Examples

- The naughty puppy likes to play Old Harry with my shoes.
- The children decided to play Old Harry in the garden while their parents were busy inside.
- The mischievous group of students sought to play Old Harry with the strict headmaster's carefully organized schedule.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.