Browse words
42,000 words to explore
P
Sort:A–Z
play old harry
Cause trouble or create chaos.
play old harry with
to cause trouble or mess things up
play on someone's heartstrings
to evoke strong emotions from someone.
play on words
A clever use of language or pun.
play one against another
manipulate two parties to compete
play one's cards right
Act wisely to achieve a goal.
play one's part
contribute effectively to a group or situation.
play or pay
Choose to participate or face a penalty.
play politics
To engage in strategic or manipulative behavior.
play possum
Pretend to be dead or asleep.
play second fiddle
take a subordinate role to someone else
play silly buggers
to act foolishly or waste time
play someone like a fiddle
manipulate or control someone easily
play someone like a violin
to manipulate or control someone easily.
play the angles
take advantage of a situation for gain
play the ball and not the man
Focus on the game, not the opponent.
play the cat and banjo with
Engage in playful or lighthearted activity.
play the deuce with
cause significant trouble or hassle
play the devil with
cause trouble or difficulties for someone
play the dickens with
cause trouble or confusion for someone
play the field
date multiple people at once.
play the fool
act silly or foolishly.
play the gender card
Use gender to gain unfair advantage.
play the hand one is dealt
accept and use one's current situation