not play that game

not play that game

To refuse to adhere to, participate in, or be a part of what is expected or wanted by others, especially because one is suspicious or has already done it before. He kept trying to trip me up during the debate by shifting the focus to previous allegations against me, but I wouldn't play that game. I'm not playing that game, Rob. If there's something wrong, just say it—don't just keep alluding to it passive aggressively.
See also: game, not, play, that
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

not play that game

If you will not play that game, you will not do something that someone wants or expects you to. I'm not playing that game, she thought. I'm not going to ask him why he had to go or what the man in the pub meant.
See also: game, not, play, that
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • Mr Clean
  • Mr. Clean
  • honour among thieves
  • there is honor among thieves
  • habit is second nature
  • Excuse me
  • excuse, please
  • 'scuse, please
  • scuse
  • suspicious character
References in periodicals archive
Sand does not play that game, it is far more changeable during a meeting from fast to slow and back.