play favourites

play favourites

To give preferable treatment to someone or something one likes or favors more than others. Primarily heard in UK. The teacher is always playing favourites in class, letting the students she likes go home a little bit earlier than the rest. As an MP, I promise not to play favourites with our public services.
See also: play
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

play favourites

show favouritism towards someone or something. chiefly North American
See also: play
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • check (someone or something) skeef
  • check someone or something skeef
  • do (someone or oneself) no favors
  • do somebody no favours
  • fan of
  • a fan of (someone or something)
  • a nosey parker
  • a nosy parker
  • be (a) one for (something)
  • be one for something/for doing something
References in periodicals archive
HALF of Britons admit they play favourites when it comes to loving their parents.
The group are set to play favourites from both Joy Division and New Order's back catalogues.
There are very few who play favourites, but, and here's the big but, a good mother starts noticing strengths and weaknesses in her different children, then makes efforts to compensate for any of the weaknesses she sees in any of her children: If one child is big built and the other through sickness or otherwise smaller, she sees the littler one, receives protection, especially as the two, play with each other or compete.
If they prefer staying indoors, buy them a dance mat or interactive sports game for their console, play favourites such as Twister or simply put on some music and dance around the living room.
In a repeat of the 2008 semi-finals, England will taKe on holders New Zealand and Fiji play favourites Australia.
Play Favourites Encourage everyone to think of different 'favourite' questions for the group.
On McLeish's selection, Jerome says: "He won't pity anyone, or play favourites. He picks the best team available and the team he thinks will do the job for him."
One was baffled at the extent that we play favourites even within the victims of terrorism.
The family-friendly exhibition is taking over the building's Floor One Gallery and showcases all sorts of Japanese play favourites.
Hargreaves now has to decide on the seven (plus a medical reserve) he will take to Princes GC in late September at the English County finals where they will play favourites Yorkshire in the first of the three round-robin matches.
Play favourites like FIFA Football and Grand Theft Auto.
The result leaves the Scots bottom of Group Five with just two points from three games and they have yet to play favourites Italy.
They play favourites Blackrock in the final of the Leinster Senior Schools Challenge Cup.
Although cats aren't meant to play favourites, Mittens confesses: "I especially love my male owner.
TON Pentre set out to throw the Mac Whirter Welsh League title chase wide open when they play favourites Goytre United at Ynys Park tomorrow (7.30pm).