mind games

American  

plural noun

1. psychological manipulation or strategy, used especially to gain advantage or to intimidate.

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mind games British  

plural noun

1. actions or statements intended to undermine or mislead someone else, often to gain advantage for oneself

   she started playing mind games with me

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Etymology

Origin of mind games

1970–75

Example Sentences

For the next several hours, Nick and Honey serve as unwitting pawns in the older couple’s clever, but vicious, mind games.

From The Wall Street Journal

Phil Pines and Ethan were part of Combs' small group of trusted assistants and say he often played mind games with staff.

From BBC

"I'm sure that lots of mind games will go on..." he told the Daily Telegraph, while mentioning the "mental spar" of Lions tours.

From BBC

She also read out a poem in response to criticism over her remarks on player-player relationships and admitted to playing "mind games" when she conceded Chelsea had lost the WSL title with defeat by Liverpool.

From BBC

These are often just mind games retailers and advertisers play that are “designed to spur us to make hasty spending decisions,” said R.S.

From Los Angeles Times