# play the deuce with

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/play-the-deuce-with
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Synonym of play the devil with.

## Examples

- The heavy rain played the deuce with our plans.
- The sudden power outage played the deuce with the office schedule, forcing us to delay the project deadline.
- His unexpected resignation played the deuce with the department's long-term strategy, leaving the remaining staff to manage the resulting chaos.

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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.