# play someone like a violin

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/play-someone-like-a-violin
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- He knows how to play her like a violin to get his way.
- The clever salesman played the customer like a violin, making him feel guilty until he bought the expensive car.
- The politician played his opponent like a violin, carefully manipulating the public debate until his rival was forced to resign in disgrace.

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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.