# play politics

idiom

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

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- He likes to play politics at the office to get a promotion.
- Instead of focusing on the project goals, the manager started to play politics to ensure his own team received the most funding.
- The seasoned diplomat refused to play politics, choosing instead to address the humanitarian crisis with complete transparency and moral integrity.

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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.