play (something) off as (something else)
play (something) off as (something else)
To attempt to present something as something else; to manipulate others' interpretation or regard of something to suit one's purpose. He tried playing off the encounter as nothing more than a joke, but we could all see how dejected he was after she rejected him. Out politicians will try to play this law off as some kind of beneficial protection to citizens, but it is clearly meant to protect the interests of corporations first and foremost.
See also: off, play
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
- a whack at (something)
- (one) could use (something)
- a crack at (someone or something)
- a fast talker
- a/the feel of (something)
- (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
- a straw will show which way the wind blows
- all right
- (you) wanna make something of it?
- all for the best