play footsie

1. Behave coyly, flirt with, especially secretly. For example, Get to the point, there's no need to play footsie with us . This expression alludes to two persons surreptitiously rubbing each other's feet together. [1940s]

2. Cooperate or curry favor with in a sly or secret way, as in The mayor's been playing footsie with various neighborhood councils . [Mid-1900s]

Related Words

• caress 
• grope