play games

play games (with one)

To deliberately attempt to evade, deceive, or misinform one (about something) in order to manipulate them or achieve some desired outcome. Quit playing games, Karen—I know that you're involved in this deal! The serial killer is playing games with the police, leaving false clues everywhere to muddy the investigation.
See also: game, play
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

play games (with someone)

Fig. to use clever strategies against someone. Come on! Stop playing games with me. Let's talk this over.
See also: game, play
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

play games

Be evasive or deceptive, as in Don't play games with me-I want an honest answer. Also see play the game.
See also: game, play
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

play games

COMMON If someone plays games, they are dishonest about what they know or intend to do in order to gain an advantage. Don't play games, Mona. I know about the theft, and I know that you know about it. I repeat: why are you here? Her trouble was that she enjoyed being devious, liked playing games just to see what would happen.
See also: game, play
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

play games

deal with someone or something in a way that lacks due seriousness or respect or deviates from the truth.
2000 Mike Gayle Turning Thirty I couldn't stand him at first. I'd have a conversation with him and would come away feeling like he was playing games with me.
See also: game, play
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

play (silly) ˈgames (with somebody)

not treat a situation seriously, especially in order to cheat or deceive somebody: Don’t play silly games with me; I know you did it.
See also: game, play
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

play games

Slang
To be evasive or deceptive: Quit playing games and tell me what you want.
See also: game, play
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • play games (with one)
  • dialog
  • get over on (one)
  • do (one) dirt(y)
  • do dirt
  • do someone dirt
  • do the dirty on (someone)
  • do the dirty on somebody
  • do the dirty on someone
  • doublespeak
References in periodicals archive
And nearly 3 in 5 teens (59%) play games in multiple ways--with others in the same room, with others online, or alone.
Video games: video games challenge students to think and solve problems. It also helps build their confidence, where they might translate what their character does in a game to real life
When users bring their machines to a wireless LAN center, they can readily play games with other people.
Nintendo to set up 1,000 free wireless LAN centers for games
You pick your text and chapter, and then play games answering questions focused on the key concepts for your chapter.
Interactive pentop computer gives voice to K-8 students: FLY pentop computer brings life to paper-based media this fall
But the point that Ratzinger chiefly makes here is that one does not play games with God.
Cardinal Ratzinger: pastoral concerns with liturgy
Without even knowing it, we play games. Whether wooing a lover or waging a war, people are competing.
The Survival Game: How Game Theory Explains the Biology of Cooperation and Competition
People like to play games; people like to move; people like to communicate.
The art of killing time online
Thankfully, most judges don't play games either with speedy trial rights.
More on speedy trials. (Letters)
Mobile games service provider IN-FUSIO and mobile operator Orange have completed a survey on the habits of users that play games on their mobile phone.
Mobile phone survey shows that games could affect choice of handset
Students can be given opportunities to play games that encourage students to practice rhetorical skills in an environment of low risk (Meier, 2000).
The effect of the use of games in the basic speech course
The number of people using the net to play games has risen from 29 per cent in December 2000 to 35 per cent.
'Fun and finances' for online junkies
This was justified on the basis that only "gentlemen" could be trusted to play games by the rules.
What is "amateur" sports competition?
"I never doubted my ability and I always want to play games. That's what you have to do as a footballer - if you stop wanting to play games then you should stop playing football.
Keeper keen to feel the buzz; FOOTBALL
India, March 6 -- Update (07 March 2014): Google has officially released the new version (v1.5.08) of its Play Games app on Google Play Store.
Google to release a new version of its Play Games app
20 million people in the UK now play games on their smartphone at least once a month, with six million users playing games daily.
20 Million People in the UK Play Mobile Games Monthly
"I've played games in the past, but now I've finally met someone who makes me not play games. If you're playing games, you need to ask yourself if that person is really for you.
Selena Gomez says Justin Bieber has stopped her from 'playing games'