play hard to get

Definition & Meaning of "[play] hard to get"

to play hard to get

to act as though one is not interested in another person's romantic or sexual advances in order to increase their interest or desire

What is the origin of the idiom "play hard to get" and when to use it?

The idiom "play hard to get" originates from the world of dating and relationships. It is based on the observation that people are often more attracted to those who seem less available or not as interested. It is used to refer to someone who adopts a deliberate approach of appearing uninterested or less accessible to someone who is expressing romantic or sexual interest. This strategy aims to create an element of challenge or pursuit, with the belief that it can increase the other person's desire or interest.

to not easily give a person something that they need or want from one

What is the origin of the idiom "playing hard to get" and when to use it?

The idiom "playing hard to get" originates from the world of dating and relationships. Its precise origin is challenging to pinpoint, but it has been in use since at least the early 20th century. This expression can be used in everyday scenarios when someone is reluctant to provide or share something. It implies a level of resistance or hesitation in meeting another person's requests or desires, making them work or demonstrate the value of what they seek.

Example

Sarah decided to play hard to get when John asked her out on a date.

When Mark asked John for a favor, John played hard to get, wanting to see how important the favor was to Mark before agreeing to help.

When Mark met Emily, she seemed uninterested, but he soon realized she was playing hard to get to see how persistent he would be.

The candidate played hard to get during the job interview, not immediately accepting the offer, which made the employer appreciate their qualifications even more.