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]

Example Sentences

He was evidently not going to play footsie with, or show any favoritism whatever toward, any woman aboard the ship.

From Project Gutenberg

D'you think I'd even try to play footsie with Barbara Warner?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• caress
• grope