play into the hands of (someone)

to give someone an advantage.

If this information is made public, it will play into the hands of people who are demanding an investigation of the police.

Usage notes: usually an advantage one person believes another should not have

• throw a curve ball
• throw a fit
• throw a monkey wrench into
• throw a monkey wrench into something
• throw a spanner in the works
• throw a tantrum
• throw a temper tantrum
• throw away
• throw away something
• throw a wobbler
• throw a wobbly
• throw back in face
• throw back in someone's face
• throw caution to the wind
• throw caution to the winds
• throw cold water on
• throw cold water on something
• throw down the gauntlet
• throw for a loop
• throw good money after bad
• throw hat in the ring
• throw in
• throw in at the deep end
• throw in hand
• throw in lot with