play ignorant

play ignorant

To pretend that one has no or little knowledge (of something); to act ignorant or uninformed (about something) I don't think I'm supposed to know that Rick is getting fired, so I'm just going to play ignorant the next time I see him. A: "Did Tammy ask you about my date with Steve?" B: "Yeah, but I played ignorant about it. I just couldn't handle more of her drama today." A: "What vase?" B: "Don't play ignorant with me! You know which one I mean!"
See also: play
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

play ignorant

 and play dumb
to pretend to be ignorant [of something]. I played ignorant even though I knew about the surprise party. John played dumb when I asked him if he knew who had been on the telephone.
See also: play
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • be at a disadvantage
  • at a disadvantage
  • (something) is over (one's) head
  • bang on
  • bang/spot on
  • address (one's) comments to (someone or something)
  • address comments or remarks to
  • address (one's) remarks to (someone or something)
  • be in it for
  • be more than glad, ready, etc.
References in periodicals archive
"The police should not play ignorant of the operation yet they even refused to allow our client to record the case at the Spring Valley station.
Police disown 'rescue' and start looking for Americans' child
He added: "Do not guess, do not play ignorant, do not play Russian roulette with precious lives."
Learn from this death, parents tell food firms
To play ignorant would be an insult to the Filipino people seeking justice and
Coal power plants imperil human lives
But these are criminals and some decide to play ignorant." Peter Wood, Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service regional enforcement operations manager, said around pounds 500,000 had been recovered with two other similar operations earlier this year.
FINE DODGERS GET A DOORSTEP SURPRISE
As they're not back for two weeks, should I get someone round or play ignorant?
Modern Morals