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to play games
01
to engage in activities or behaviors that involve deception, manipulation, or deceit in order to achieve a particular outcome, often at the expense of others
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "play games" and when to use it?
The phrase "play games" is a simple and straightforward idiom that does not have a specific historical or cultural origin. It is derived from the literal meaning of playing games, such as board games, card games, or sports. In this context, "play" refers to engaging in recreational or competitive activities for enjoyment or competition. This phrase is often used to describe someone's behavior when they are being deceptive, insincere, or manipulative in their interactions with others.
Ejemplo
The children were excited to have a large backyard, giving them plenty of elbow room to play games and run around.
The playground was filled with excited schoolkids playing games during recess.
I can't trust him because he always plays games with people's feelings.
Despite the rainy weather, the children remained cheerful as they played games indoors with their friends.
The kids had a blast at the birthday party, playing games and eating cake.