ENGLISH
REFERENCE

play someone like a violin

idiom
Meaning

To control or manipulate someone, especially by playing on their emotions.


Examples
SIMPLE

He knows how to play her like a violin to get his way.

CONTEXTUAL

The clever salesman played the customer like a violin, making him feel guilty until he bought the expensive car.

COMPLEX

The politician played his opponent like a violin, carefully manipulating the public debate until his rival was forced to resign in disgrace.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    and the like

    And other similar items; et cetera.

  2. 02

    as if someone owns the place

    Alternative form of like someone owns the place.

  3. 03

    be like

    To say.

  4. 04

    beat someone round the ears

    To beat (a person) with blows about the head.

  5. 05

    bless someone with

    To give or bestow, as a gift from God.

  6. 06

    bring someone to their knees

    To defeat and make submit to orders.

  7. 07

    built like a brick outhouse

    Synonym of built like a brick shithouse.

  8. 08

    built like a brick shipyard

    Synonym of built like a brick shithouse.

Last updated April 17, 2026