ENGLISH
REFERENCE

play politics

idiom
Meaning

to act or say something according to political ambition, self-interest, and gamesmanship instead of moral conviction and altruism; to politick


Examples
SIMPLE

He likes to play politics at the office to get a promotion.

CONTEXTUAL

Instead of focusing on the project goals, the manager started to play politics to ensure his own team received the most funding.

COMPLEX

The seasoned diplomat refused to play politics, choosing instead to address the humanitarian crisis with complete transparency and moral integrity.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a week is a long time in politics

    In politics, much change can occur in a short space of time.

  2. 02

    child's play

    Something particularly easy or simple.

  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

    palace politics

    The relationships and interactions of top-level officials, advisors and other powerbrokers within a government, especially as involving internal rivalry and intrigue.

  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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