play games

Idioms  

1. Be evasive or deceptive, as in Don't play games with me—I want an honest answer. Also see play the game.

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Example Sentences

When we play games, he observes, we usually care about the “experiences that come from trying hard to win,” but we don’t necessarily care about winning itself.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Noland Arbaugh, the first human to receive a brain chip implant by Elon Musk's Neuralink, previously told the BBC the device has allowed him to play games again.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Their new Dodger ownership group doesn’t play games.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Milan make the short trip to face high-flying Como on Thursday as the division's leading trio play games in hand accrued by their participation in the Italian Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.

From Barron's • Jan. 14, 2026

Most students were headed to the gym to play games before supper, and Mr. Curtain was not in his favorite spot.

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart

Related Words

• arrange
• come up with
• conceive
• concoct
• create
• direct
• manage
• manipulate
• negotiate
• organize
• set up
• supervise