play the angles
To seek ways to advance one's self-interest, especially by making choices in a calculating or crafty manner; to scheme.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He always plays the angles to get what he wants.”
“She is a sharp negotiator who knows how to play the angles to ensure her department gets the most funding.”
“The politician spent his entire career playing the angles, carefully calculating every alliance to secure his path to the highest office.”
- 01
angle for farthings
To beg out of a prison window with a cap, or box, let down at the end of a long string.
- 02
child's play
Something particularly easy or simple.
- 03
go play in the traffic
To go elsewhere and feel free to engage in risky behavior; to get lost.
- 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.
- 05
hold-up play
A play where an attacker retains possession of the ball, while the teammates can move up the field.
- 06
play a part
To be involved in such a way to affect the outcome, to be a contributing factor.
- 07
play a role
To have an effect or influence on a situation or outcome; to contribute to something.
- 08
play all one's cards
To use all one's resources.
Last updated August 10, 2026