He accused his opponent of playing the race card to win the argument.
play the race card
idiomTo assert that race or racism is involved in a situation, especially in order to exploit racist or antiracist attitudes.
When the manager criticized his poor performance, he claimed she was playing the race card to avoid taking responsibility for his mistakes.
Political analysts often debate whether a candidate is genuinely addressing systemic inequality or merely playing the race card to manipulate public opinion during a heated campaign.
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card of ten
A bold front, an instance of standing one's ground.
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caucus race
The competitive process in which a political party selects their candidate, especially presidential; a primary election via caucus.
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child's play
Something particularly easy or simple.
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drawing card
Synonym of drawcard (“something that attracts patronage to a place or an event”).
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get out of jail free card
A certain privilege or advantage that provides relief from an undesirable situation or immunity from punishment or consequences.
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go play in the traffic
To go elsewhere and feel free to engage in risky behavior; to get lost.
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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.
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hold-up play
A play where an attacker retains possession of the ball, while the teammates can move up the field.