game that two can play, that's a
that's a game that two can play
If one person can do something (often something deceptive or hurtful), so can another. This phrase typically prefaces an act of retaliation. Did she really start a rumor about me? Well, that's a game that two can play—I'll make sure the whole school is talking about her by tomorrow morning! Stu's been getting here early to impress the boss, so here I am, too—that's a game that two can play!
See also: can, game, play, that, two
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
game that two can play, that's a
Also, two can play at that game. Another can behave in the same way or do the same thing. For example, He refused to tell us whether he would go or stay, but that's a game two can play. This expression is generally used as a threat of retaliation. [Early 1800s]
See also: can, game, that, two
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- that's a game that two can play
- two can play (at) that game
- two can play (at) this game
- two can play at that game
- Two can play this game
- a game at which two can play
- a game that two can play
- game that two can play
- as an aside
- be (not) (one's) style